UEFA consider Celtic action

3/28/2008 - 10:49:38 AM

UEFA have confirmed they are examining footage appearing to show Celtic supporters involved in sectarian chanting in Barcelona earlier this month.

Several videos have been brought to UEFA’s attention, and an investigation has opened which could lead to disciplinary action being brought against Celtic.

A spokesman for UEFA confirmed the footage included chanting outside and inside the Nou Camp, as thousands of Celtic supporters arrived in the city for the Champions League last-16 clash on March 4.

It includes videos of supporters at the ’fan-zone’ designated for Celtic fans.

“We have received some footage showing Celtic supporters singing some alleged anti-Queen and pro-IRA songs – sectarian songs,” the spokesman told PA Sport.

The footage involves a small minority of supporters chanting the banned songs, however UEFA stressed that all incidences were unacceptable.

“Basically we take care of all manifestations of sectarian singing,” the UEFA spokesman said.

“The only condition is that it must be in the immediate surrounding area of the stadium. There was alleged sectarian singing inside the stadium.

“If the investigation is conclusive, then a disciplinary case would be opened.”

That could be a slow process, with the spokesman adding: “It will depend on the easiness of having these songs understood and the quest of finding other evidence.”