But, in a week which saw Celtic fined £12,700 by UEFA after the Celtic supporters were reported for “illicit chanting” in a previous Europa League fixture against Rennes at Parkhead, there was more controversy emanating from the stands.

A banner which was derogatory in its sentiments towards the European governing body was unfurled and there were flares set alight, one of which was thrown onto the running track.

On a night where his players did boss Neil Lennon and the Parkhead club proud, the Irishman was forced to address the possibility of more UEFA action due to the actions of some fans.

“I didn’t see the flare before the game so I will have to wait and see what the outcome is,” he said.

“From where I was it looked like the supporters behaved themselves impeccably and I hope that (possible trouble) is not going to be the case.”

It was certainly a valiant effort from Celtic, especially in the first half where they had the home side in all sorts of trouble.

Striker Gary Hooper took advantage of a mix-up in the Udinese defence in the 29th minute to tap in from a yard out but veteran striker Antonio Di Natale notched from close range himself with seconds remaining in the first half.

Lennon insists he can “take a lot of positives” from the game as he looks forward to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Sunday.

He said: “It was up there with some of the best performances in my management time, certainly away from home in Europe against probably the best team that I have faced.

“All credit to Udinese, you can see why they are up there but we feel we are a pretty good side ourselves.

“From the first whistle to the death I thought we were fantastic as a team, I thought there were some wonderful performances.

“To come here and play a team at the top of Serie A and take the game to them and play the football we played and create the chances we created, I can’t speak highly enough of the team.

“We have to transmit that from European football to domestic honours.”