Celtic fans urged to be on best behaviour

Celtic have urged fans to be on their best behaviour in the future after a warning from UEFA director of communications William Gaillard.

Gaillard was speaking after UEFA’s investigation into allegations of sectarian chanting at the recent Champions League matches between Rangers and Villarreal.

He said: “Celtic in the past have a good record in European competitions and their supporters were awarded the Fair Play trophy after the UEFA Cup final in Seville.

“But nobody is above the law. They’ll be scrutinised just like every other club in Europe.”

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “We welcome Mr Gaillard’s comments which acknowledge that every club in Europe will receive the same treatment from UEFA.

“We have heard nothing from UEFA and, indeed, the last time we were in direct contact with UEFA was when they presented the Celtic supporters with the Fair Play Award in recognition of their behaviour at the UEFA Cup final in 2003, something which, as a club, we are rightly proud of.

“There appears to be an attempt in today’s press to drag Celtic into a debate and a situation in which we are not involved.

“However, as a club we are not complacent and will continue to remind supporters of their responsibilities in following the club, whether here in Scotland or anywhere in Europe.

“We do accept that we have our own issues, particularly with a section of our away support, and we will continue to tackle this and take action where appropriate.

“Celtic Football Club views all forms of sectarianism or bigotry as totally unacceptable and, we will continue, as our Social Mission Statement says, to ‘promote Celtic as a club for all people, regardless of gender, age, religion, race or ability’.”