'˜Coins are thrown at us every week' claims Celtic captain Scott Brown

Scott Brown has claimed that Celtic players have coins thrown at them 'nearly every week'. Picture: SNS Group

And the Parkhead skipper is concerned that someone will end up seriously injured if the issue is not dealt with.

Brown played in Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park on Wednesday night, with referee Willie Collum awarding Celtic a controversial penalty - their second in four days - two minutes from time.

While Brown conceded that there have been a lot of issues to discuss this week, he insisted that some are more important than others, as he called for more protection for his team-mates.

Brown said: “There’s a lot of talk about decisions but people are being hit by coins and getting stuff thrown at them pretty much every week now just because we’re doing so well in the league and the away fans don’t like that.”

And commenting on the abuse Scott Sinclair received from ‘Well fans on Wednesday night after being accused of going down too easily to win a penalty at the weekend, Brown added: “He was delighted with that, especially when he scored the penalty. He silenced the crowd, but didn’t silence all the coins that were being theown. I made a pound again - I’m getting good at this game.”

The Celtic captain also claimed that striker Leigh Griffiths is being targeted by oppositions fans, given his tendency to take set-pieces.

“Leigh is hitting corners and getting things thrown at him. We’ve understood it’s part and parcel with going away now [but] people have got to make sure we’re okay as well,” said Brown.

“When you’re hitting a corner of a free kick - I know teams that shout and sing whatever they want - you can’t be throwing things. It’s not setting a good example. It’s more when we go away from home.”

Brown suggested that ‘every group of fans have probably had their time’ but admitted the problem is getting worse.

Celtic players including Griffiths were targeted by Linfield fans during the Champions League qualifier between the two sides at the start of the season. A bottle of Buckfast tonic wine was hurled in the direction of the former Hibs and Wolves striker.

Brown continued: “We’re getting used to it now - you take a corner and you have to look over your shoulder to see what’s coming.

“Eventually someone will get hit in the head with a coin but until that happens probably nothing will be done.”