Celtic take aim at “very small minority” after UEFA fan ban | OneFootball

Celtic have taken aim at a “very small minority” of away fans after UEFA sanctioned the club for pyrotechnics in the away defeat to Borussia Dortmund. The Scottish Champions were hammered on the pitch and now UEFA’s Control Ethics and Disciplinary have hit the club hard with a fine and a suspended away fan ban.

In a club statement on Wednesday evening, Celtic made it clear that they were not pleased with the decision, highlighting their stance on pyro and the impact a potential ban could have.

“The Club has received the decision issued by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body following the match against Borussia Dortmund, in which the Club has been sanctioned, again, for the lighting of fireworks by a small number of individuals attending the match.

“The decision provides that, not only has the Club received a fine of €20,000, but also that, if such behaviour is repeated at a match in the next two years, the Club will be prevented from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in UEFA club competitions.

“The Club has been very clear, over a number of years, that the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics at matches is prohibited, and presents risks to supporter safety and to the Club under the applicable regulations.

“It is hugely disappointing, therefore, that the conduct of a very small minority has led to this decision, which could potentially have such a negative and damaging impact on the team and Celtic supporters wishing to attend an away match to support the team.”

The scenes in Dortmund will have had the club fearing action from UEFA, which has been delivered as expected. The ban is suspended for two years but it feels inevitable that there will be no Celtic away fans at an away game at some point given the prevalence of pyro in the away end in recent years.

Pyrotechnics do a lot to enhance the atmosphere but UEFA have repeatedly hammered Celtic with fines as a result. The race for away European tickets is always a mission and those that have Zagreb booked up will be worried that there will be pyro in Bergamo meaning there could be no Celts at the game in Croatia.