Celtic issue warning to travelling fans

Celtic have urged all non-season-ticket holders not to travel to Switzerland for next week’s Champions League qualifier against Basle.

Around 100 fans rampaged through Basle last weekend after the Swiss champions were beaten by Lucerne.

The Hoops voiced concerns for supporters travelling to the Swiss-German border where the St Jakob Park ground is situated.

But the club have received assurances from the British Embassy and the Swiss police that the incident was a one-off.

However, Celtic are strongly recommending only season-book holders should travel to the crucial second leg on August 28.

A Celtic spokeswoman said: "We have spoken to the police and the embassy and they have assured us that the incident at the weekend was a one-off.

"We have also been informed that there will be extra police presence around the stadium on the night of the game.

"However, with a fan-base the size of Celtic’s, supporters travel to games from all over Europe.

"But we recommend only season-ticket holders should travel to the game next week."

Meanwhile, Basle insist they will do all they can to protect Celtic supporters.

A Basle spokesman said: "Nobody can give full guarantees, but nobody must be worried.

"We will make the best preparations and have more security for the game.

"We have looked at the safety of all fans - 30,000 from Scotland and Switzerland - and will be guaranteed."

The weekend violence was reportedly started by right-wing extremists in the area using the club’s loss to Lucerne as an excuse to cause chaos in the town.