Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths given one-game ban for ‘provoking’ Linfield fans
Griffiths received a one-match ban for “provoking supporters” at the end of their first-leg win over Linfield.
Leigh Griffiths has been suspended for the first leg of Celtic’s Champions League third qualifying-round clash against Rosenborg after UEFA took action against the striker and the club.
Griffiths received a one-match ban for “provoking supporters” at the end of their win over Linfield, who have been hit with a partial closure of their stadium for their next European game after the striker was pelted with missiles, in the first leg of the previous round.
Celtic have also been sanctioned with three more disciplinary charges including the displaying of an alleged “illicit banner” by fans during the second leg. Griffiths will now sit out the visit of the Norwegian champions next Wednesday after Celtic booked their place in the third qualifying round with a 6-0 aggregate victory.
The Scotland striker had been controversially booked at Windsor Park after lifting a glass bottle off the park after being targeted with a string of missiles while attempting to take a corner.
That booking has contributed to a fine of 4,500 euro (£4,037) for Celtic after an improper conduct charge was automatically triggered when they received five yellow cards in the game.
UEFA has ordered the partial closure of Windsor Park for one European game, specifically “south stand lower sector I”, from where the missiles flew down on Griffiths and Republic of Ireland international Jonny Hayes, and from where a fan ran on to the pitch at the end of the game before being apprehended.
Linfield were also fined 10,000 euro (£8,971) after being charged with two offences, the “throwing of objects” and “field invasion by supporters”.
Celtic face another disciplinary hearing next Friday after being charged over the banner plus “blocked stairways” and a kit infringement during their 4-0 win at Parkhead on Wednesday.
A UEFA spokesperson told Press Association Sport: ”The ‘illicit banner’ charge relates to the banner portraying a person in a paramilitary uniform.”
Celtic condemned the banner, which was displayed in the safe-standing section of Celtic Park. Other banners also appeared to make reference to the Northern Irish Troubles during the visit of the Belfast team.
A club statement read: “Any support for a paramilitary or proscribed terrorist organisation has no place at Celtic Park. The club has been consistent in condemning such conduct on the very few occasions in the past when it has occurred at Celtic Park. It is unfortunate that such a small minority of the crowd at Celtic Park last night behaved in such a way.
“We know that the Celtic support will join us in condemning such behaviour. Events last night have resulted in charges from UEFA in relation to the paramilitary banners and unsafe behaviour in a section of the Celtic support. The club has commenced an inquiry and will take appropriate action.”
UEFA has fined Celtic 10 times in less than six years over fan-behaviour issues ranging from pro-IRA chants to fireworks, crowd disturbances and other illicit banner charges.
The kit infringement is a minor issue relating to the display of their sponsor’s logo on substitutes’ bibs, which is prohibited in UEFA’s regulations.
