UEFA fine Celtic 15,000 euros for 'illicit' chanting

12 December 2011 19:16

UEFA on Monday announced a fine of 15,000 euros against Celtic for "illicit" chanting at last month's home Europa League match against Rennes, the Scottish giants said.

"We received notification of the fine this afternoon with no detail. The club is currently considering its position," a Celtic spokesperson said.

UEFA's control and disciplinary panel imposed the fine after the match delegate was informed of pro-IRA chanting by the Strathclyde police match commander on November 3.

Celtic beat Rennes 3-1 in that match and continue their Europa League campaign against Udinese in Italy on Thursday.

Earlier this month Celtic escaped Scottish Premier League action over pro-IRA chanting, the league ruling the club had taken all reasonable action to prevent such "unacceptable conduct", which was reported by police following a goalless draw against Hibernian on October 29.

The lack of action is consistent with the league's stance that clubs should not be punished for the behaviour of fans if all reasonable measures had been taken to prevent it and deal with it.

But UEFA have been more willing to punish clubs and national associations in similar instances.

The European governing body have fined Rangers for "discriminatory" behaviour on three occasions, the latest offences also prompting a one-match travel ban on supporters.

The Ibrox club argued they had done everything possible to halt the singing.

Source: AFP