Celtic must satisfy Uefa on ‘offensive’ songs charge

Celtic are preparing their response to Uefa after their fans were accused of singing “offensive” songs during a Europa League clash.

Uefa has asked Celtic for their version of events during the club’s 3-1 win over Rennes at Parkhead on 3 November. It is believed Strathclyde Police made the Uefa delegate aware of “offensive” singing during the encounter. Celtic confirmed they were “looking into the claims”, which are believed to centre on songs about the IRA.

A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said: “We can confirm there were a number of instances during the game of singing offensive songs, and inquiries are ongoing to detect the offenders.”

Uefa have not confirmed what charge Celtic may face or when any disciplinary hearing may take place. A Celtic Park source said: “This is quite unprecedented as no issues were raised to the club during the match and the police didn’t inform us directly about their concerns.”

Celtic last month urged fans to stop singing pro-IRA chants after being “inundated” with complaints from their own supporters following their 2-0 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle.

Lothian and Borders Police announced they had launched an investigation into the “singing of sectarian songs” following the Clydesdale Bank Premier League game on 2 October.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Chants glorifying the Provisional IRA are totally unacceptable. One, it is wrong, and it is an embarrassment to the club and embarrassment to the majority of supporters.

“We have dealt with it at 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.”

Possible Uefa sanctions include a fine and ban on supporters.