A clear message has been sent by Celtic after they were hit with a suspended European away fan ban.
The Parkhead club were also hit with a €20,000 fine by UEFA after their fans let off pyro ahead of their 7-1 Champions League defeat away to Borussia Dortmund. And the threat of having no fans on the road in Europe is now hanging over them after the European governing body meted out a two-year suspended ban on selling away tickets to their own supporters.
That means punters will still be able to watch their side take on Europa League winners Atalanta in Bergamo next week, but any more firework displays and it will be home games only should this latest warning also be ignored. In response, the club has stressed the consequences of flouting the pyro rules yet again with a number of Euro trips still to come this season.
It read: “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.
I”t 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.”