Celtic to face UEFA action over ‘illicit chanting’

Celtic are to face disciplinary action over the behaviour of fans at the Rennes game in November, it was confirmed this morning.

A UEFA spokesperson said the club had been charged for supporters’ “illicit chanting” following the game on 3 November.

The hearing will be held on 8 December, the governing body said.

The case comes after Strathclyde police reported sections of the home support for “offensive” chanting following the match in Glasgow. It is understood police reported what they described as “offensive” chants to the Uefa match delegate after the tie at Parkhead on 3 November.

Strathclyde Police have launched their own investigation into a “large number of instances” where “offensive” songs were sung at the game.

Last month, the Celtic hierarchy urged their own fans to stop chanting pro-IRA slogans after being “inundated” with complaints from their own supporters during a match with Hearts in Edinburgh on 2 October.

After that match, Lothian and Borders Police launched an investigation into the “singing of sectarian songs”.

Following that game Celtic’s chief executive Peter Lawell said: “Chants glorifying the Provisional IRA are totally unacceptable.

“It is wrong, and it is an embarrassment to to the majority of supporters.

“We have dealt with it a Celtic Park and we will do all we can to make sure it doesn’t happen home or away.

“We don’t want it, we don’t need it.

“We have the best supporters in the world and hold that reputation dear.”