UEFA has initiated disciplinary action against Celtic following incidents involving fireworks and controversial banners in their recent Champions League loss to Lazio. [MailSport] The governing body of European football has confirmed that the Scottish champions are under scrutiny, coming on the heels of a £23,000 penalty for similar offences during a match against Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will review the new allegations after Celtic’s Green Brigade supporters displayed a large ‘anti-fascist’ banner during the 2-1 defeat at home to Lazio. The club had previously been fined £13,000 for similar displays when Lazio visited Glasgow for a Europa League match in 2019.
The banner in question included the words ‘Anti-Fascist Glasgow Celtic’ and featured an inverted image of former Italian fascist leader Benito Mussolini, accompanied by the phrase ‘Follow Your Leader’. Another message on the banner read ‘Lazio Vaffanculo’, which roughly translates to telling the away team to ‘go away’ in a derogatory manner.
UEFA’s disciplinary actions against Celtic have become increasingly frequent, despite the club’s appeals to its fans to refrain from actions that see them fined. During an away game against Feyenoord, a segment of Celtic fans ignited flares and fireworks, leading to a 2-0 loss. Last season also saw the club fined for fan misconduct in matches against Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Fines for pyro are frustrating and it’s incumbent on supporters to stop bringing these fines to Celtic’s door. However, there should be no apologies for displaying an antifascist banner. If UEFA believe this should be punished, it’s a bad look for them and not the support. There are some fans who want to see the group ditch all political views and keep them away from the terraces of Celtic Park. Having such a platform to voice real injustices around the world and stand up for the oppressed is something that should be welcomed. Celtic were born out of famine and oppression.