Ajax face UEFA action over banner

Ajax could face disciplinary action from UEFA over a banner displayed during their Champions League match against Celtic.
Ajax could face action over a banner displayed during their match against Celtic. Picture: GettyAjax could face action over a banner displayed during their match against Celtic. Picture: Getty
Ajax could face action over a banner displayed during their match against Celtic. Picture: Getty

The banner - which contained the message “F****n b******s” - was displayed briefly by supporters during Wednesday’s match at the Amsterdam ArenA and was reported by the governing body’s security delegate.

UEFA initially said that no proceedings would be started against Ajax however it is understood that subsequent complaints made UEFA rexamine the issue.

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The case will be heard on 12 November by Uefa’s disciplinary body

A spokesman for Celtic said: “We have already been informed by UEFA’s own security officer that he reported this matter together with photographic evidence.

“This is in addition to complaints submitted by Celtic supporters who are understandably deeply offended.”

Neil Lennon said he was “not surprised” there was trouble in Amsterdam given the behaviour of the Dutch club’s fans in Glasgow last month.

Eight police officers were injured in the violence in the city centre before the Hoops’ 1-0 defeat at the Amsterdam ArenA with 44 people arrested, including 28 Scots.

Celtic responded on Thursday to claims from Celtic supporters that they were poorly treated by opening an internal investigation and claimed their supporters were subjected to “a high degree of provocation.”

UEFA opened an investigation following the Group H fixture between the two clubs at Celtic Park last month after the visiting fans clashed with stewards and police during the game.

Ahead of the Scottish Premiership game against Ross County in Dingwall on Saturday, the Parkhead boss said: “I am disappointed but not surprised, looking at what happened at Celtic Park with the Ajax fans in terms of ripping up seats and throwing them at our supporters.

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“If there are Celtic fans who have been out of order and there are members or season-ticket holders then the club will take appropriate action, obviously.

“If the club’s reputation has been damaged in any way I am disappointed with that but Celtic fans, I think, are the best in the world.

“But I think there is a culture at Ajax. I think Man United fans and Man City fans had problems recently so I don’t think it is exclusive to Celtic.

“I am not going to point the finger at them (at Celtic fans) because I don’t know what the facts are but our fans are exemplary.

“I have been here 13 years and everywhere they go, they have been an absolute credit to the club. They make a lot of friends wherever they go.

“Again, I don’t have the facts in front of me but I would say that if there was a reaction, there was immense provocation in the first place.”