Stadium section to close

Celtic have announced they will close the “Green Brigade section” of their stadium for the next two matches after “serious incidents of unsafe behaviour” at their previous two home games.

The announcement comes a day after Celtic were hit with Uefa disciplinary charges over an alleged “illicit banner” and “blocked stairways” during their Champions League victory over Linfield on Wednesday night.

The club also expressed their frustration over a pyrotechnic display during the final game of last season against Hearts.

The decision will affect 900 seasonticket holders in the safe-standing section of the stadium which houses the Green Brigade ultras group.

Chief executive Peter Lawwell told the club’s official website: “The behaviour of fans in the Green Brigade section of the ground at the matches against Hearts and Linfield was a serious safety risk.

“There is no room for debate. The safety authorities and football authorities make the rules. They also enforce the rules. If the rules are broken, Celtic will be punished again and again.

“There is no hiding place from these realities. Anyone who has Celtic’s interests at heart must surely recognise them and behave accordingly.”

The closure will affect next Wednesday’s first leg of the Champions League third qualifying round against Rosenborg.