Former captain and manager, Billy McNeill has hit out at the unruly element of Celtic fans who have landed the club in the dock again. On Monday, UEFA confirmed they had opened disciplinary proceedings against the club, charging the Glasgow club with "the displaying of a banner of an offensive nature and the setting off of fireworks by supporters" at last week's Europa League game against Udinese in Italy.
The case against Celtic will be heard by the UEFA's control and disciplinary body on 26 January. The unwelcome display came just days after the club were fined around £12,700 for "illicit chanting" involving pro-IRA songs at a Europa League game against Rennes at Parkhead. Following the game in Udine, Celtic manager Neil Lennon, chief executive Peter Lawwell and chairman Ian Bankier rounded on the rogue fans who had "embarrassed" the Parkhead club.
Yesterday McNeill said: "This has left me hurt and disappointed. For generations, Celtic fans have had a great record in Europe. Now that record is in danger of being wrecked by these people - I struggle to call them fans. If these people have ruined everything for everyone then the club has to cut them out and get them away. Because God knows what will happen to the club if it's allowed to continue."
Source: FOOTYMAD
