Celtic Football Club has recently been hit with a hefty fine of €27,000 by UEFA as a result of two incidents that occurred during their Champions League match against RB Leipzig. The club was penalized for obstructing public passageways in the stands, which resulted in a €12,000 fine, and for a pitch invasion by a young fan towards the end of the match, leading to an additional fine of €15,000. The pitch invasion incident, in particular, sparked criticism from supporters and left the club facing financial repercussions.
This latest fine adds to Celtic’s growing tally of fines under UEFA’s jurisdiction, amounting to a staggering total of £200,000 over the past two seasons. The financial burden of such incidents highlights the importance of adhering to UEFA regulations and maintaining discipline on and off the pitch.
In addition to the fines, Celtic also received a warning from UEFA regarding a late kick-off in their match against Atalanta in Bergamo, which was attributed to delays involving the team and manager Brendan Rodgers. The warning serves as a reminder of the need for punctuality and compliance with UEFA guidelines, especially with the Champions League spotlight on the club.
While Celtic did earn over €2.1 million for their victory against Leipzig on the same night, the recurrence of fines underscores the consequences of failing to meet regulatory standards in European competitions. It is imperative for clubs like Celtic to prioritize safety, security, and organizational discipline to avoid further financial penalties and maintain a positive reputation within the football community.