Celtic have released an official statement in response to UEFA’s decision to fine the club €10,000 (£8,000) but not impose an away fan ban for the Champions League knockout tie against Bayern Munich.
The club had been in discussions with UEFA after fireworks were thrown during the final group-stage match against Aston Villa . While a ban was a real possibility, Celtic worked behind the scenes to ensure supporters would not be locked out of the Allianz Arena.
In a statement issued today, the club confirmed[CelticFC.com]:
“Celtic Football Club notes today’s decision by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body to fine Celtic 10,000 Euros, following our match against Aston Villa, for the throwing of fireworks.
“We can confirm that Celtic supporters will be able to attend our forthcoming Champions League match in Munich.
“As we had said previously, Celtic made every effort to ensure that our fans could attend this match, and we are pleased that UEFA has considered our detailed submission.”
Warning Issued Over Pyrotechnics
While fans have been given the green light to travel, the club has once again warned against the use of pyrotechnics, reminding supporters that a suspended sentence remains in place due to previous incidents, including at the away fixture against Borussia Dortmund.
The statement continued:
“Again, we must make it very clear that pyrotechnics have absolutely no place at our matches and should further incidents occur, then clearly, once again, there is an extremely high risk of our supporters not being permitted access to future matches.”
With the first leg at Celtic Park this Wednesday and the return in Germany the following week , Rodgers’ side will be hoping to rise to the occasion and give their fans another memorable night on the European stage.
It will mark Celtic’s first knockout tie in the competition in well over a decade. We know it’s going to be a big ask for the team, but the fans will be behind them. We understand the feeling on both sides when it comes to the use of pyro. However, if it does cause fans to be banned from stadiums further down the line, it will punish ordinary punters. We know the Celtic fans can make an atmosphere incredible without the use of pyro.
