Celtic fans facing a ban in Bavaria have been handed a “back door” warning by Bayern Munich.
Hoops followers may be officially excluded from the tie with the German giants at the Allianz Arena in Munich because of a rash of pyrotechnic offences by fans in previous rounds of the competition.
But many might try to buy tickets in the “home” section of the 75,000-seat venue instead.
A meeting of UEFA’s disciplinary committee could confirm a ban on tickets being sold to away supporters at the February 18 match.
Despite the threat, fans of Brendan Rodgers’ squad have been selling out flights to Germany in the hope they will still be able to enter the arena.
As a “back door” alternative, some will be aiming to snap up tickets from resale sites on the internet.
Yesterday, the 1 Box Office agency was offering individual tickets for just under £200, with the advisory note “no restriction”.
Rival firm FootballTicket.net had prices at £117 but noted: “Can be in the home or away section.”
However Bayern has posted a stern warning to potential visitors on the club’s website, which sells match tickets to the home end of the arena.
It states: “Fans from opposing team country (are) not permitted, as per club guidelines – away fans will be ejected without compensation.”
Bayern is selling an “official tourist package” for the Celtic game which includes a stadium tour, city bus tour plus match ticket for £200.
There were unseemly scenes at Villa Park last Wednesday when some home fans took exception to Hoops supporters sitting next to them during Celtic’s Champions League clash with Aston Villa. Last Friday, just before the draw was made, Celtic took the unusual step of warning fans not to make travel plans for the knockout stage play-off game.
The club said: “As a result of the use of pyrotechnics during our match against Borussia Dortmund last year, Celtic Football Club was sanctioned by the UEFA control, ethics and disciplinary body. The decision meant that, not only did the club receive a fine of €20,000, (£16,723) but also that, if such behaviour was repeated at a match in the next two years, the club would be prevented from selling tickets to supporters for one away match in UEFA club competitions.
“Unfortunately, the club has received a further disciplinary notice from UEFA following the match against Aston Villa FC on Wednesday evening.
“The club will obviously make robust representations to UEFA and will make every effort to ensure that our fans can attend our next UEFA Champions League match.
“However, clearly there is a risk that supporters may not be able to attend.
“In light of this situation, it is incumbent on the club to make supporters aware of this risk, when considering making arrangements for travel, until further information is provided by UEFA.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.