SPORTS
Celtic hit with UEFA charge for 'crowd disturbances' in Zagreb
Baku, December 16, AZERTAC
UEFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against Celtic for "crowd disturbances" during their match with Dinamo Zagreb.
The matter will be dealt with by UEFA's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on February 19, 2015.
A statement from the governing body to STV read: "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA Europa League Group D match between GNK Dinamo Zagreb and Celtic FC played on December 11 in Croatia."
The specific charge relates to a breach of article 16 (2) (h) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, which deals specifically with crowd distrurbances.
The rule reads: "All associations and clubs are liable for the following inappropriate behaviour on the part of their supporters and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match any lack of order or discipline observed inside or around the stadium."
It is the fifth time within the last three years Celtic have been hit with charges because of the behaviour of their supporters during European matches.
After the most recent incident - the unfurling of an "illicit" banner at a Champions League match with AC Milan in 2013 which resulted in a £42,000 fine - the club's chief executive Peter Lawwell condemned the "small minority" of supporters who were "damaging the reputation" of Celtic.
A £4221 was handed down earlier that year after fireworks were set off by supporters during their Champions League qualifier with Cliftonville.
The club's fans also caused them to be fined twice during their Europa League campaign in the 2011/12 season.
In March 2012, UEFA fined Celtic £21,000 after supporters displayed an offensive banner and set off flares during an away game with Udinese.
Celtic were also fined £13,000 for "illicit chanting" in the same competition during a match with Rennes in 2011.
Given the high volume of supporter-related incidents, Celtic now run the risk of a more severe sanction over and above a financial penalty.
Potential sanctions include future matches being played in a partially or fully closed stadium or a ban being placed on supporters from travelling to a number of future away matches in Europe.
