On the same day that they were fined by UEFA for displaying a banner that read “F*** the Crown”, Celtic fans produced another anti-monarchy message during the second half of last night’s Champions League defeat to RB Leipzig.
Midway through the second period, with the game still scoreless, the Green Brigade ultras raised a banner which read “Against hunger and the crown.”
UEFA had earlier announced that the club would be fined €15,000 (£13,000) for displaying a “message not fit for a sports event” in the draw away to Shakhtar Donetsk on September 14.
Celtic were judged to have fallen foul of rule 16, section E of UEFA’s disciplinary guidelines.
It reads that clubs may face action for “the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit a provocative message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly provocative messages that are of a political, ideological, religious or offensive nature.”
But the absence of offensive language in last night’s sign means they may escape any further action.
The banner remained aloft for close to five minutes as crowd began singing Fields of Athenry before segueing into a loud chorus of “F*** the Tories.”
Celtic fans were widely criticised for raising another banner in a league game away to St Mirren that read “If you hate the Royal family clap your hands” while players marked the Queen’s passing with a moment of applause. Sky Sports, who were broadcasting that game, apologised when anti-monarchy chants could be heard from the visiting fans.
Last night former Chelsea forward Timo Werner scored a fine header in the 74th minute before providing an assist for substitute Emil Forsberg to ensure Ange Postecoglou’s team have no chance of progressing into the knockout stages despite having two games left to play.
Celtic could still qualify for the Europa League by finishing third in the group but they will need to get a result at home to Shakhtar and potentially away to Real Madrid.
