UEFA investigate ‘offensive’ Celtic songs

CELTIC fans are at the centre of a UEFA investigation after police raised concerns over “offensive” songs during a Europa League game against Rennes.

Celtic have been asked by European football’s governing body to give their side of events during the 3-1 victory over the French club at Parkhead on November 3.

It is understood that Strathclyde Police made the UEFA delegate aware of “offensive” singing during the encounter.

A spokesman for the force 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.”

Celtic today confirmed they had been asked by UEFA to provide a response to the allegations.

A club spokesman said: “We are currently looking into these claims.”

The club are understood to have been taken by surprise by the UEFA action, having had no direct feedback from the police.

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.”

UEFA did not respond to phonecalls today but reports in the Scottish Sun claimed they would hold a hearing on December 8.

It is unclear what charge Celtic could face although it is believed that the allegations centre on songs about the IRA.

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 October 2.

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.

Rangers fans were banned from travelling to their next away game in Europe and the club were fined more than £70,000 after being found guilty of two counts of “discriminatory behaviour” on the part of their supporters in April, following Europa League games against PSV Eindhoven.

Rangers were also warned they faced playing a home game behind closed doors if found guilty of the same offence within three years.

The Ibrox club had received fines following similar incidents in matches against Villarreal and Osasuna in recent years.