Clubs end up in a fine mess over fireworks

CELTIC have been slapped with a £6000 UEFA fine after fans let off fireworks and invaded the pitch in their win over Jablonec in Europa League qualifying.

And St Johnstone have closed a section of McDiarmid Park for tomorrow’s crunch with LASK after being hit with a £2600 penalty for a firework at their home clash with Galatasaray.

Celtic were charged with invasion of the field of play and lighting of a firework. UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body imposed a £4280 fine for the first breach, topped up with a £1710 fine for the pyrotechnics.

Saints were also hit after a supporter set off a pyrotechnic in the 4-2 defeat by Galatasaray a fortnight ago.

The Perth club last night said they will close a small section of the East Stand for the Conference League play-off second leg with LASK after supporters were also seen scaling an adjacent wall. Fans will be reallocated seats elsewhere in the ground.

A club statement said: “Unfortunately at the recent game against Galatasaray a small minority of fans within this section acted in a manner that put themselves and other supporters at risk by climbing on the adjacent wall.

“Supporter safety is paramount to the club. With this in mind we have taken the decision to close off a small number of seats.

“There was also a pyrotechnic device set off within this same section by an individual, which has resulted in St Johnstone being fined by UEFA.

“Once again we would urge supporters to refrain from such inappropriate and dangerous conduct.

“The club would like to make it absolutely clear that no person or party are banned from attending Thursday’s match against LASK.”