DORTMUND - Celtic fans set off fireworks during the UEFA Champions League match between Borussia Dortmund and Celtic FC at the Signal Iduna Park on Oct. 01, 2024 in Dortmund, Germany. ANP | Hollandse Hoogte | BART STOUTJESDIJK (Photo by ANP via Getty Images)
Celtic face the prospect of playing Dinamo Zagreb or Aston Villa without any supporters inside the ground.
Fans have already bought transport and accommodation for both matches but if there are any fireworks or pyro next week in Atalanta UEFA will ban supporters for the next match.
The action comes on the back of fireworks and pyro being used away to Borussia Dortmund which appears to have crossed a threshold.
Celtic have the details of every fan that was in Dortmund but it seems that for many fireworks and pyro are an essential part of European away days.
Just after 8pm on Wednesday Celtic announced:
The Club has received the decision issued by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body following the match against Borussia Dortmund, in which the Club has been sanctioned, again, for the lighting of fireworks by a small number of individuals attending the match.
The decision provides that, not only has the Club received a fine of €20,000, but also that, if such behaviour is repeated at a match in the next two years, the Club will be prevented from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in UEFA club competitions.
The Club has been very clear, over a number of years, that the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics at matches is prohibited, and presents risks to supporter safety and to the Club under the applicable regulations.
It is hugely disappointing, therefore, that the conduct of a very small minority has led to this decision, which could potentially have such a negative and damaging impact on the team and Celtic supporters wishing to attend an away match to support the team.
After getting an official allocation of 3,800 tickets for Dortmund there will only be 1,700 fans with tickets for Atalanta next week.
The wording of the UEFA sanction means that the threat is going to hang over Celtic for some time, if they get through the two year period it is unlikely that the slate will be wiped clean for any future offence.
Celtic can up their security at away matches but ultimately it will come down to self-policing from supporters over whether they can continue attending away European matches.
Just get UberAli to say that the pyro appears to be from outside the stadium.
Job done, no ban.
I’ve generally backed the GB in just about every way, EXCEPT PYRO, when it’s the GB or the board. But this has gone on for far, far too long and it’s as obvious an ‘own goal’ as you’ll get.
As it happens I think the lack of security to stop this at the home ground should also be sanctioned.
Anyway, FFS GB, support the team and ditch the pyro, it’s dangerous, intensely annoying for some who have to breathe the fumes, illegal and fukkin styoopit! PACK IT IN!!!
You’ll leave Lawwell no choice but to ban you and it’ll be YOUR own fault. FFS!
Time to get rid of the pyros and politics.
Time to kick someone arse