Brendan Rodgers has admitted he would be hugely disappointed if UEFA impose an away fan ban for Celtic’s Champions League knockout tie against Bayern Munich.
The Hoops boss addressed the issue after UEFA issued a disciplinary notice over a smoke bomb thrown onto the pitch during Celtic’s 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa. With the club already on a suspended sanction from a previous pyro incident against Borussia Dortmund, Celtic fans now face the very real risk of being locked out of the Allianz Arena next month.
Asked about the situation, Rodgers made it clear he hopes Celtic’s travelling support will not be punished for the actions of a few. [Sky Sports]
“Very much so. I think we need to wait and see if anything comes from it, but it’s certainly not what we want to hear. Genuine Celtic supporters, it’s the last thing that they want to hear.
“People that have travelled for years and years, worldwide, home and away, that is not what we want (for them to get banned).
“However, it’s been a combination of things that have come our way as a club, so I’m hoping and praying for a game of this magnitude that that doesn’t get taken away from those supporters that Celtic means everything for.”
UEFA will now review the incident and make a ruling in the coming days. While Celtic are expected to challenge the potential ban, the club has already warned fans to hold off on booking travel until a final decision is made.
Rodgers’ words reflect the frustration many Celtic supporters will be feeling, with the Bayern Munich away tie set to be one of the biggest European nights in recent memory.
Now, they must wait and hope UEFA don’t take that experience away from them.
The dates for the home leg, which will come first, and the away leg are set to be confirmed before UEFA makes its ruling.
