Why Celtic fans face Champions League ban ahead of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich tie
Why Celtic fans face Champions League ban ahead of Real Madrid or Bayern Munich tie
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Celtic were hit with a suspended one-match ban on issueing away tickets earlier this season. Celtic fans could be banned from attending their blockbuster Champions League tie against European giants Real Madrid or Bayern Munich after letting off fireworks during the defeat at Aston Villa on Wednesday.
The Scottish club were hit with a one-match suspended ban on issuing away tickets for Champions League games as well as an immediate €20,000 fine after supporters lit pyrotechnics during the 7-1 defeat at Borussia Dortmund earlier in the campaign. Uefa warned Celtic that supporters would be banned if there was a repeat of the incident within the next two years, and European football’s governing body may decide to take action after a green smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch at Villa Park in the league phase finale.
Supporters also lit flares in the away end after Celtic equalised to make it 2-2, with Aston Villa scoring twice in the second half to win 4-2. The result meant Celtic finished the league phase as the 21st seed, ensuring a blockbuster tie in the play-off rounds.
Manager Brendan Rodgers had urged supporters to behave after the club were hit with a one-match suspended ban, with the club also writing to fans as they faced the threat of punishment if there was a repeat of the incident within a two-year period. "People that have followed Celtic home and away for years and years should never be getting banned. The support is incredible and it's not something we need,” Rodgers said when speaking ahead of the trip to Atalanta in October.
