Celtic fans await UEFA decision
CELTIC fans are set to discover today whether Lazio’s entire stadium will be closed by UEFA for the Europa League match between the clubs next month. The Italian outfit are facing punishment from the governing body after around 30 of their supporters made fascist salutes in the Curva Nord section of the Stadio Olimpico during the Group E match against Rennes. UEFA originally intended to announce their decision by Thursday, but the hearing is now
expected to be brought forward by 48 hours.
Lazio have been plagued by repeat offences from their fans, creating fears they will be ordered to play their next European game — against Celtic in Rome on November 7 — behind closed doors.
However, the Serie A club hope the dedication of Parkhead supporters could help them avoid that sanction. Lazio have given Celtic a huge 9,000 ticket allocation, with many fans having already paid out on travel and accommodation costs.
The Italians hope UEFA will decide it would unfairly punish those who have forked out for a trip if they were denied access to the match. Lazio have already had part of their stadium closed this season for previous offences.
Celtic will also face a UEFA hearing this week after supporters let off flares during the Europa League win over Cluj on October 3.
Meanwhile, Hatem Abd Elhamed is confident Celtic have the character required to fulfil their ambitions at home and in Europe during an intense run towards the winter break.
Sitting two points behind Rangers after defeat at Livingston nine days ago, they face the first of 18 games in ten weeks when they host Ross County on Saturday.
Those fixtures are spread across the Premiership, Betfred Cup and Europe as Celtic seek to win a tenth successive domestic trophy and secure continental football after Christmas.
The £1.6million signing from Hapoel Be’er Sheva (right) admits the demands at Parkhead are different to those he has previously encountered.
But the 28-year-old believes the strong mindset within the dressing room will come to the fore and aid recovery from their recent blip.
‘We have looked very good since the start of the season but there have been a couple of disappointments,’ said Elhamed. ‘We need to keep showing the same attitude and mentality.
‘With Celtic, you switch between league and European games very quickly. But we are professional and we need to deal with that. It’s about switching your mind and mentality.
‘This is life at a big club, every game is important. We want to win everything, so when one game is finished, you need to focus on the next.
‘The intensity is a little bit different from Be’er Sheva. But that was also a big club in Israel, with many fans and big goals.
‘For me, this was the right move at the right age. I had experience with Be’er Sheva in the Europa League and I am very happy at Celtic.’
Elhamed has no issue with supporters being critical when Celtic don’t perform to their expected level.
‘Fans have the right to react to a result however they want,’ added the Israel international, who looks likely to miss his country’s European qualifier with Latvia tonight after picking up a virus.
‘We need to be professional and focus on the next game — as that’s the most important.’