TAPS AFF IN ROME
Parkhead chiefs plead with fans to abandon banner war with right-wing Lazio supporters
CELTIC fans have been warned not to wear their Hoops shirts on the streets of Rome ahead of next week’s Europa League grudge match with Lazio.
The Foreign Office issued advice which stated supporters are “strongly advised” not to wear colours, and the
begged them to ditch banners. It follows last week’s match in Glasgow which saw Lazio thugs making fascist salutes on city streets.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon said he wants fans to “come home safely”.
CELTIC have pleaded with their supporters to abandon their banner war with Lazio in Rome next week – as security fears grow ahead of a potential powderkeg Europa League showdown.
The warning came after the Foreign Office issued a safety alert advising fans travelling to the match next Thursday, November 7, not to wear club colours in and around the city centre.
Police Scotland will also send undercover officers to the Italian capital to mingle with 9000 Parkhead fans who are expected to make the trip after a hostile meeting between the two clubs last Thursday in Glasgow.
Manager Neil Lennon has urged fans to stay safe in Rome. He said: “I just hope our fans go, enjoy the game and come home safely. Like I said before the game last week, I hope we’re talking about the football.”
Lazio’s notorious right-wing ultras were caught on camera goose-stepping through the city centre ahead of the first leg, which Lennon’s side dramatically won 2-1 to top Group E.
Celtic’s fans responded by unfurling a host of banners including one that said “f*** you, Lazio” in Italian while a second depicted dictator Benito Mussolini’s body hanging from a rope.
Another drew comparisons with terror group the Red Brigades, which murdered former Italian prime minister Aldo Moro in 1978.
Celtic have now announced plans to inspect all flags and banners before supporters are allowed into the Olympic Stadium.
The club said: “Banners will be checked on arrival and must be Celtic only. No banners or flags with any political sentiment or mention of any other football team or organisation will be permitted.”
Supporters have been told to expect a zero tolerance approach to hooliganism from local cops but the threat of reprisals from the fascists among Lazio’s support is causing the club a major security headache.
Special shuttle buses will be laid on to ferry Celtic fans to and from the stadium before and after the match.
There are also concerns about the safety of fans in the city, with Foreign Office advice stating: “It is strongly recommended not to wear club colours while visiting Rome.”
The Curva Nord section of the stadium has been shut by UEFA as punishment for racist fan behaviour during Lazio’s win over Rennes on October 3.