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Celtic are facing new sanctions from UEFA as the governing body considers taking action after fireworks were launched and “illegal banners” were used in its clash with Lazio.
Pyro was seen at home during the Champions League match as a huge ‘anti-fascist’ banner was unveiled by the Green Brigade before kick-off. And now it has been shown that UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary framework is contemplating fees following a case opened against the Scottish Premiership champions.
This is the latest in a long series of sanctions Celtic have faced from UEFA over banners and the behaviour of their supporters. They were fined £12,901 in 2019 for banners unfurled in their latest clash against Lazio, which included a depiction of Benito Mussolini hanging with the slogan “follow your leader”. It comes just weeks after they were fined £23,000 for employing pyrotechnics in their away match against Feyenoord in Rotterdam.
The new fees relate to UEFA’s Article 16. 2. e which states: “The use of gestures, words, elements or any other means to convey a provocative message that is suitable for a sporting event, in specific provocative messages of a political and ideological nature. “. . . , of a devout or offensive nature. ” Celtic begged their fans ahead of the match against Lazio to keep the fireplace lit with pyrotechnics, but their request fell on deaf ears.