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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Celtic fans unveil 'antifascist' X-rated banner ahead of Lazio clash

Celtic fans have made their feelings clear about Lazio ahead of this evening's Champions League tie.

A banner emerged in the section of Parkhead that houses the Green Brigade prior to kick-off as the teams walked out of the tunnel.

Full of several messages, some in English and some in Italian, the main part read: "Antifascist Glasgow Celtic".

Smaller text on the inner circle of the display said 'Brigate Verde,' and 'Lazio vaffanculo'. This translates to 'Green Brigade' and 'Lazio f*** off'.

Former Celtic midfielder Olivier Ntcham also featured on the tifo with his famous celebration in Rome after scoring a dramatic late winner on the last occasion the Scottish champions beat the Serie A side four years ago.

It's not the first time that the Hoops supporters have taken the chance to have a go at the Italians. 

In October 2019 the sides met in Glasgow for a Europa League match, and the same Celtic fan group unveiled banners that translated to 'f*** Lazio'. Another section of Parkhead revealed a banner that read 'Laziale Parto Anale,' bizarrely translating to 'Lazio fans are birthed anally.'

It remains to be seen if the display on show tonight could result in another punishment handed out by UEFA. Earlier today the club revealed they had been hit with another fine over the use of pyrotechnics by their fans in Rotterdam last month.

The Scottish champions will pay around £20,250 (€23,400) as Uefa does not condone the use of pyro in any stadium. Over the past decade, Celtic have been fined over £250,000 by UEFA over issues such as pyro and banners.

A Celtic statement prior to tonight's encounter with Lazio read: "Clearly, we are concerned that, despite repeated requests and safety warnings, a small minority continue to use pyrotechnics at Celtic’s matches.

"The use of pyrotechnics represents a serious risk to the safety of our supporters. Celtic has been hit with another significant sanction by UEFA due to this behaviour. Again, the club requests that this conduct stops."

Brendan Rodgers is looking to guide the club to their first home victory in the Champions League in over 10 years. 

They lost on matchday one of this season's group stage campaign, with Feyenoord running out 2-0 winners. 

If the Hoops are keen on securing European football after Christmas, then tonight seems like an ideal opportunity to get some points on the board in Group E.

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