Celtic support given green light for Munich as Celtic hit with €10k UEFA fine | OneFootball

Celtic supporters have been given the green light by UEFA to attend the second leg of the Champions League play-off at Munich’s Allianz Arena against Bayern Munich…

Fans of Bayern Munich display a tifo (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

It was feared that Celtic supporters would be banned for this match after a supporter threw a green pyrotechnic onto the pitch at Villa Park in the 8th group match of the competition. With Celtic already on a warning of an away stadium ban for further instances of pyrotechnic use at Champions League matches it was looking bleak to say the least.

Celtic advised supporters NOT to book travel and accommodation and also confirmed that they would make a strong argument to UEFA that the entire Celtic support should not be punished for the actions of one person.

That seems to have contributed to the UEFA decision to allow Celtic supporters to attend the Bayern Munich v Celtic match a week on Tuesday 18 February.

The Uefa statement reads as follows:

“The UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body has taken the following decision.

Match: Aston Villa FC vs. Celtic FC (4:2), 29.01.2025, UEFA Champions League 2024/2025

“Charges against Celtic FC:

The CEDB has decided: To fine Celtic FC €10,000 for throwing of fireworks.”

Celtic fans show their stupidity and selfishness by lighting flares during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

However Celtic has however received a fine following a decision from UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body. The fine is for 10,000 euros (£8,340) for the lighting of fireworks and throwing of objects and Celtic should surely look at passing this onto the supporter who lit and threw the flare at Villa Park. If they want to cut this out once and for all then this would be the way to do it.

Celtic statement

Celtic’s reaction to the news from UEFA, as published on a statement on the official club website, is as follows:

‘Celtic Football Club notes today’s decision by the UEFA Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body to fine Celtic 10,000 Euros, following our match against Aston Villa, for the throwing of fireworks.

Stewards remove a green flare off the pitch during the UEFA Champions League match between Aston Villa and Celtic at Villa Park on January 29, 2025. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

We can confirm that Celtic supporters will be able to attend our forthcoming Champions League match in Munich.

As we had said previously, Celtic made every effort to ensure that our fans could attend this match, and we are pleased that UEFA has considered our detailed submission.

Suspended sentence remains in place

We can also confirm that the original suspended sentence remains in place, as a result of the previous use of pyrotechnics, most recently at the match against Borussia Dortmund, by a small minority of supporters.

Again we must make it very clear that pyrotechnics have absolutely no place at our matches and should further incidents occur, then clearly, once again, there is an extremely high risk of our supporters not being permitted access to future matches.’

Michael Nicholson, Celtic Chief Executive Officer looks on prior to the match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on February 05, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic was fined €20k by UEFA for Dortmund flares

The club was fined 20,000 Euros for the pyros incident in Dortmund and over the years it adds up to an incredible amount of money. Some will say it’s small change given the funds Celtic make in the Champions League but the money is hard earned by the club from the shop staff to the football manager.

Celtic’s first knock-out tie in Champions League for 13 years

This tie against Bayern Munich is Celtic’s first Champions League knock-out match in 13 years and it is one that Celtic are underdogs, needing everything possible to help the chances of pulling off a shock. The Celtic support at Villa Park, praised by Aston Villa players, was magnificent barring one foolish incident. These away supporters are needed in Munich and it’s great to know that they’ll be there.

Brendan Rodgers looks on prior to the match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on February 05, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Well done, Michael Nicholson

Well done to Michael Nicholson, criticised by many supporters for the transfer window frustrations but the Celtic CEO have done a great job here arguing the case for the Celtic supporters and ultimately ensuring that the fans can travel in numbers to Munich to roar on the Bhoys.

Now it’s over to Brendan and the team to build up a lead in the first leg to take to Munich!

COYBIG!