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By Martin Graham | 30th Jan 2025
Celtic are facing a potential ban on away supporters for their next Champions League fixture following a smoke bomb being thrown onto the field during their match against Aston Villa on Wednesday.
UEFA had previously issued the Scottish champions a suspended sanction after pyrotechnics were used during their encounter with Borussia Dortmund in October. As a result, the European football governing body is expected to scrutinize the latest incident, with the details set to be outlined in the match delegate’s report.
Possible disciplinary action
Should the match report confirm the smoke bomb incident and UEFA find Celtic responsible, the pre-existing suspended ban on selling tickets to away fans would be enforced immediately. Additional disciplinary measures could also be considered, though UEFA’s control, ethics, and disciplinary body will make the final decision, likely in the coming week.
The governing body is also expected to review banners displayed and chants heard during the fixture in Birmingham as part of their broader investigation into the club’s fan behavior.
Rodgers’ response and next steps for Celtic
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was asked about the situation following the match but declined to comment. The team had already secured their place in the Champions League play-off round before suffering a 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa.
The Glasgow club is now preparing for a two-legged tie against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich, with the winner advancing to the competition’s last 16. Whether their traveling support will be permitted for that crucial encounter remains to be seen, as UEFA deliberates on the latest disciplinary concerns.
Martin Graham is an MFF sports writer
