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Celtic could be hit with UEFA sanction after 'offensive' chants during Europa League clash reported by police
The Hoops could be punished after alleged provocative singing during their recent 3-1 win against Rennes, although the Scottish club were not contacted directly by officers
Nov 12, 2011 1:40:00 PM
By John Stammers
Celtic is facing a possible UEFA sanction after fans' chants during its Europa League win against Rennes were deemed offensive by Strathclyde Police.
The police force made UEFA aware of the chants after the game, which took place on November 3 at Parkhead with Neil Lennon's side winning 3-1.
"We can confirm there were a number of instances during the game of singing offensive songs and inquiries are ongoing to detect the offenders," a spokesman for Strathclyde Police said.
The Scottish club is said to be shocked after receiving no direct feedback from the police about the claims, but they have confirmed that UEFA has asked for a response to the allegations.
"This is quite unprecedented as no issues were raised to the club during the match and the police didn't inform us directly about their concerns," a Celtic Park source told the Press Association. "We are currently looking into these claims."
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has condemned any such chants from the crowd, maintaining that the issue will be dealt with, and that the club's supporters are the best in the world.
"Chants glorifying the Provisional IRA are totally unacceptable," he said at the club's AGM. "One, it is wrong, and it is an embarrassment to the club and embarrassment to the majority of supporters. We have dealt with it at Celtic Park and we will do all we can to make sure it doesn't happen home or away. We don't want it, we don't need it. We have the best supporters in the world and hold that reputation dear."
The Scottish Sun has claimed that the hearing will be held on December 8, while the charge the club will face is currently unclear, it is believed that the allegations are in reference to pro-IRA chants.
Celtic have had complaints of pro-IRA singing before as following their 2-0 defeat away at Hearts in October some of their own fans complained about the chants from other sections.
The police force made UEFA aware of the chants after the game, which took place on November 3 at Parkhead with Neil Lennon's side winning 3-1.
"We can confirm there were a number of instances during the game of singing offensive songs and inquiries are ongoing to detect the offenders," a spokesman for Strathclyde Police said.
The Scottish club is said to be shocked after receiving no direct feedback from the police about the claims, but they have confirmed that UEFA has asked for a response to the allegations.
"This is quite unprecedented as no issues were raised to the club during the match and the police didn't inform us directly about their concerns," a Celtic Park source told the Press Association. "We are currently looking into these claims."
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has condemned any such chants from the crowd, maintaining that the issue will be dealt with, and that the club's supporters are the best in the world.
"Chants glorifying the Provisional IRA are totally unacceptable," he said at the club's AGM. "One, it is wrong, and it is an embarrassment to the club and embarrassment to the majority of supporters. We have dealt with it at Celtic Park and we will do all we can to make sure it doesn't happen home or away. We don't want it, we don't need it. We have the best supporters in the world and hold that reputation dear."
The Scottish Sun has claimed that the hearing will be held on December 8, while the charge the club will face is currently unclear, it is believed that the allegations are in reference to pro-IRA chants.
Celtic have had complaints of pro-IRA singing before as following their 2-0 defeat away at Hearts in October some of their own fans complained about the chants from other sections.
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