Celtic Faces UEFA Fines for Fan Incidents

• UEFA
• Atlético Madrid
• Celtic F.C.
• Champions League

Celtic Football Club has been fined €29,000 ($31,500) for incidents involving their supporters during a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid last month. The sanctions include a €17,500 penalty for displaying a "provocative message of an offensive nature," according to the UEFA.

The European football's governing body also imposed fines of €8,000 ($8,700) for Celtic supporters blocking public passageways and €3,500 ($3,800) for lighting fireworks. In addition, Atlético Madrid faced sanctions, with a €3,000 fine for fans' lighting of fireworks and a warning for the "improper conduct of the team" during the 2-2 draw at Celtic Park on 25 October.

"It was not a decision taken lightly but for safety" - Michael Nicholson, Celtic's Chief Executive.

Controversy Surrounding Celtic Fans

The fine comes after Celtic fans defied the club's pleas not to bring flags or banners relating to the Israel-Hamas war, with several Palestinian flags displayed by supporters at the game. UEFA confirmed that displaying these flags was not the reason for the fine.

This marks the third time in three Champions League matches this season that Celtic have been hit with a financial penalty. The club was fined €23,400 ($25,000) after fans lit fireworks in the stands before their group opener against Feyenoord in Rotterdam. After their second match at home to Lazio, they had to pay a €20,000 ($22,000) penalty for offensive banners and €3,500 for using fireworks among their supporters.

Celtic's Ongoing Issues with the Green Brigade

The club has been in ongoing disputes with fan group the Green Brigade. Members of the Green Brigade remain suspended from Celtic Park and are not receiving tickets for away matches. This was further discussed during the club’s annual general meeting.

"We all want Celtic Park full of Celtic fans; that has to be done safely,” said the club's chief executive, Michael Nicholson. “We have had some concerns about safety with that particular group for some time, and this season those concerns have escalated."

Precautions for Upcoming Match

In light of these recent incidents, Celtic has informed supporters traveling to Rome for next Tuesday’s Champions League match against Lazio that all flags, banners, and drums must be pre-approved by the Italian club. Celtic’s supporter liaison officer, John Paul Taylor, relayed this information through a social media post.