Celtic have been fined 50,000 euros (around 42,000 GBP) after the controversial Green Brigade group unfurled a banner depicting IRA hunger-striker Bobby Sands during last month's clash with AC Milan, the club has confirmed.
UEFA's control and disciplinary body found the club guilty of allowing an "illicit banner" to be displayed during the Champions League fixture at Celtic Park on November 26.
It showed an image of Sands alongside another of Scottish nationalist icon William Wallace and a set of lyrics that included the line: 'The terrorist or the dreamer?'
UEFA rules prohibit messages of a political and ideological nature being displayed in a stadium.
The fine is the fourth time UEFA has taken action against the club as a result of fan indiscretions in the last two years.
Celtic released a statement responding to the governing body's punishment, saying: "Clearly it is extremely disappointing that the club must pay another sizeable penalty following the actions of a small minority, particularly given the previous assurances which were made to the club and the widespread understanding of the likely outcome of such actions.
"Regrettably, due to previous charges being brought against the club, again following the actions of a small minority, the fines imposed by UEFA are increasing in scale.
"It goes without saying that such actions must stop now, before the club receives a competitive sanction or one which would affect our supporters attending European matches.
"We are Celtic supporters and we must now move on and look ahead to tomorrow's match against Hibernian. We are sure our fans will come together, unite with the club and support the team with the commitment and passion we are famous for, ensuring that Celtic Park once again provides a positive footballing occasion for all."
Celtic have already acted to disband the Green Brigade after handing ''precautionary suspensions'' to 128 supporters preventing them from attending home and away matches, while 250 season ticket-holders housed in section 111 - the ultras' corner of Celtic Park - will be moved to other parts of the ground or given refunds on season tickets.
That move followed disturbing scenes at Fir Park last Friday during the Hoops' 5-0 win over Motherwell.
Around 200 seats were vandalised in the section containing Green Brigade members while pyrotechnics were let off and thrown on the pitch near goalkeeper Fraser Forster.
Police made five arrests on Thursday over the Motherwell disturbances.
The Green Brigade insisted its banners ahead of the Rossoneri tie was football-related as they were designed to protest against the Scottish Government's Offensive Behaviour at Football Act and Police Scotland's implementation of the legislation, which it claims has criminalised expressions of Irish politics.
But Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell demanded supporters leave their political views at home after UEFA announced the action.
And manager Neil Lennon admitted his ''heart sank'' when he saw the display, arguing it was neither the time nor place for such a demonstration.
Source: PA
