Euro ban for Griffiths
LEIGH GRIFFITHS is out of Celtic’s Champions League first-leg qualifier with Rosenborg next week after landing a one-match UEFA ban. And the Parkhead side face further sanctions from Europe’s governing body following the flaunting of an ‘illicit banner’ by the club’s Green Brigade ‘ultras’ during Wednesday’s 4-0 victory over Linfield. Scotland striker Griffiths has been rapped for ‘provoking supporters’ after he tied a Celtic scarf on to a goalpost after the final whistle in the first leg in Belfast. He had been controversially
booked for time-wasting after Linfield fans threw bottles and other missiles at him. As a result of their supporters’ misbehaviour, Linfield’s Windsor Park will be partially closed for the Northern Irish champions’ next European game, and they have been fined £9,000. Celtic were fined £4,000 for improper conduct after five of their players were booked in the 2-0 win in Belfast. Now they face a further disciplinary hearing next Friday following the appearance of a pro-IRA banner during the second leg in Glasgow. A UEFA spokesperson said: ‘The “illicit banner” charge relates to the banner portraying a person in a paramilitary uniform.’ Further charges of ‘blocked stairways’ and a kit infringement — after a sponsor’s logo was displayed on training bibs — raises the likelihood of more fines for the club. UEFA have charged Celtic 14 times since March 2007 over issues ranging from pro-IRA chants to the firing of pyrotechnics and banners glorifying proscribed terrorist organisations. Last night, Celtic condemned the banner and promised to launch an enquiry into their latest supporter misconduct. A statement read: ‘Any support for a paramilitary or proscribed terrorist organisation has no place at Celtic Park. The club has been consistent in condemning such conduct in the past when it has occurred at Celtic Park. It is unfortunate such a small minority of the crowd at Celtic Park behaved in such a way. ‘We know the Celtic support will join us in condemning such behaviour. Events last night have resulted in charges from UEFA in relation to the paramilitary banners and unsafe behaviour in a section of the Celtic support. The club has commenced an inquiry and will take appropriate action.’