Sports

Celtic’s message to supporters following UEFA’s Champions League pyro sanction

Published

1 month ago

October 17, 2024

Kelvin

UEFA has sanctioned Celtic for the fans’ use of pyrotechnics in their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund this month.

Celtic's message to fans after UEFA's Champions League pyro warning

Celtic fans came to Germany boosted by their team’s opening-day victory over Slovan Bratislava, hoping for a positive away Champions League outcome.

Despite the fact that Celtic had a huge travelling support, they lost badly to Dortmund.

The Celtic supporters undoubtedly made themselves visible and heard, boosted by the usage of pyro, but yesterday, UEFA slammed the club for the fans’ use of fireworks.

The ruling released by UEFA states, “The CEDB has decided: To fine Celtic FC €20,000 and to ban Celtic FC from selling tickets to its away supporters for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match, for lighting of fireworks. Said ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of two (2) years, starting from the date of the present decision.”

Check Also: Jota sets tongues wagging after penciling in a Celtic return and telling the world about the club he loves

Celtic addresses ‘hugely disappointing’ fan behaviour

Celtic have responded to UEFA’s verdict and delivered a message to their supporters, expressing their dismay at the sanction after previously making their opinion on the usage of pyro’very clear’.

Celtic said in a statement on its official website, “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.

Check Also: Ex-referee Bobby Madden Rinses Nicolas Kuhn's 'whataboutery' as Rangers hero Kris Boyd is told the REAL reason Celtic star didn't see red

“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.”

Celtic fans and pyro

Celtic fans have always utilised pyrotechnics to create atmosphere at the club’s biggest games.

Celtic’s 2023 League Cup semi-final vs Kilmarnock at Hampden Park generated this incredible spectacle from the fans:

Who anybody forget the incredible Bertie Auld homage Celtic fans created during the 2021 League Cup semi-final versus St Johnstone?

Check Also: Celtic reveal Callum McGregor's injury timeline and offer Adam Idah with an update following red card tackle

It is apparent not only from Celtic fans, but from supporters all throughout Europe, that there is a desire to use pyro at football games, and only last season, the Belgian Pro League put forward an intriguing idea about the safe usage of pyro inside football stadiums.

However, their use is now prohibited, and Celtic fans may risk a Champions League away lockout if they are used within the next two years in UEFA’s flagship tournament.