Celtic fined by UEFA again after fan flares

CELTIC have been fined €12000 by UEFA after supporters let off flares during their Europa League group match against Cluj earlier this month. It is the second time that Celtic have been hit with a fine for the offence this season after fans were also in possession of pyrotechnics in the qualifier against AIK Stockholm. The club have repeatedly issued pleas to supporters around their behaviour at European matches having been on the receiving end of fines totalling more than £250,000 in the last 12 years. When the charges were issued by UEFA following the match against Cluj, Celtic vowed that they would be introducing further measures to stop fans getting into games with flares. A statement read: “Following the latest UEFA charge against the club for the use of fireworks at Celtic Park, it is with real disappointment and frustration that the club needs to appeal again for this behaviour to stop. “UEFA’s stance on the issue of pyrotechnics is unequivocal and very well-known. “The club has been sanctioned on numerous occasions and yet, very disappointingly, this behaviour by a small minority persists. “The serious safety concerns associated with such behaviour are obvious, as is the reputational damage which this behaviour and these charges have on the club. In addition, the numerous financial penalties placed on Celtic continue to come out the pockets of supporters who invest in the club.”