Celtic fans are facing an anxious wait to see if UEFA will impose an away ban for their blockbuster Champions League knockout tie against Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.
European football’s governing body is set to review an incident at Villa Park after a smoke bomb was thrown onto the pitch from the Celtic section following Adam Idah’s goal in the 4-2 defeat. With the Hoops already on a suspended sanction for pyro-related offences earlier in the campaign, this latest issue could have serious consequences.
Celtic were fined earlier in the season for pyrotechnics set off during their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, with UEFA handing down a suspended one-match away fan ban for two years. At the time, it was a clear warning to supporters that further breaches could see them locked out of an away fixture in Europe.
Now, just months later, UEFA could look to enforce that sanction, potentially meaning Celtic fans would be barred from travelling to either Madrid or Munich for what should be one of the club’s biggest European occasions in years.
The UEFA disciplinary process will now take its course, with a decision expected in the coming weeks. If the governing body chooses to act, which they almost definitely will, it would be a huge blow for the travelling Hoops support, who have followed their team in massive numbers throughout the competition.
With the draw taking place on Friday, fans will be desperate for clarity ahead of what should be a dream European trip. However, that dream could turn into a nightmare if UEFA decides to impose the ban.
