Celts tell punters: Pyro has to stop
PETER LAWWELL has fired a rocket at the Green Brigade after Celtic were hit with yet another UEFA charge for fireworks.
The Parkhead club have pleaded with punters to cut out the pyro as they prepare for more punishment at next week’s disciplinary hearing in Nyon.
It comes after flares and smoke bombs were let off in the standing section in last week’s 2-0 Europa
League victory against Cluj. Celts have been in the dock 18 times in 12 years and while the Hoops have been constantly hit in the club coffers, there are fears UEFA are losing patience and could ramp up the repercussions.
Rangers have suffered sections of Ibrox being ordered to be shut on the back of sectarian singing – while next month’s rivals Lazio are sweating on sanctions after fan chaos against Rennes.
Celtic yesterday issued a statement speaking of their “real disappointment” that “this behaviour by a small minority persists” – and begging fans to behave.
It added: “The numerous financial penalties placed on Celtic continue to come out the pockets of fans who invest in the club.
“Celtic will be introducing further measures in order to deal with this behaviour. It has to stop.
“The club does not want it, our supporters do not want it and UEFA will continue to punish the club whenever it occurs as it is a clear breach of their regulations. It really is as simple as that.
“Given the number of repeated offences, we should also be very aware that there could be further, very serious repercussions which could have hugely detrimental consequences for the club and our supporters.”
Celtic insisted the clashes with UEFA over fireworks is undermining the reputation Hoops fans have built up.
The statement added: “It is the positive support of our fans which makes the difference week in, week out.
“The club and our supporters need to work together to make sure pyrotechnics and any other form of unsafe behaviour have no place at our matches.”