Celtic chairman fears chants may cost club
Celtic chairman Brian Quinn has urged supporters not to participate in “unwelcome” chants at football matches in the wake of new UEFA directives.
The European governing body have warned clubs they will face a minimum fine of £13,000 (€19,048) if their fans are responsible for racist or discriminatory conduct.
The appeal follows a similar plea from Rangers chairman David Murray to Ibrox supporters last week.
The Govan club were fined £13,300 (€19,485) by UEFA last season as a result of discriminatory chanting at their Champions League games against Villarreal.
And Quinn is keen to ensure Celtic – who picked up Fair Play awards from FIFA and UEFA in 2003 – do not suffer a similar fate to their Old Firm rivals.
In an open letter to Celtic fans, he said: “Offensive songs and chants have all but disappeared from Celtic Park and we are working with the SPL authorities, the SPL clubs and the police to discourage the remaining cases of unwelcome chants and songs at away grounds.
“These can only damage the club and are a very real danger, as UEFA has made it clear it will treat this matter extremely seriously in the season ahead.
“Your behaviour has made us welcome at football grounds and cities around the world.
“This is something to be valued and protected at a time when those charged with running the game are likely to be especially vigilant.”
UEFA have also warned they are willing to impose additional sanctions, such as forcing teams to play behind closed doors, closing grounds, awarding matches by default, deducting points and disqualification from competitions.
The provisions are in line with the stipulations introduced by the world governing body FIFA earlier this year.
Quin added: “It is clear that the football authorities are determined to do all they can to avoid further damage to the image of the game.
“The behaviour of teams on the field, and of supporters inside and outside stadiums, is coming under scrutiny as never before.
“As we saw last season, clubs are more likely than ever to incur heavy fines and to have points deducted for what is deemed to be unacceptable behaviour by their players and fans.”
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