Today is the day Celtic will find out if they will be punished by UEFA for "illicit chanting" by fans in the Europa League game against Rennes. While the hearing took place on Friday the decision announcement was held over till today as it was one of more than 100 cases being dealt with by UEFA's control and disciplinary body. Celtic were charged after the Strathclyde Police match commander complained to the UEFA delegate about pro-IRA chanting at the Europa League Group I game on 3 November.
Earlier this month Celtic escaped action from the SPL 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 Hibs on 29 October. 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-game travel ban on supporters. The Ibrox club argued they had done everything possible to halt the singing.
Source: FOOTYMAD
