Brendan Rodgers has hit out at those responsible for Celtic’s latest sanctions from UEFA, condemning the use of fireworks and flares at matches and urging supporters to stop risking the club’s future in European competitions.
The Celtic manager was speaking after UEFA announced that the club had been fined €20,000 and handed a suspended ban on away tickets following an incident involving fireworks at Borussia Dortmund. The sanction stems from the Hoops’ 7-1 thrashing in the Champions League earlier this month.
Addressing the issue in his pre-match press conference ahead of Celtic’s game against Aberdeen, Rodgers expressed frustration with the minority of fans involved, warning that such behaviour harms the club and its loyal fanbase.
“We don’t need the pyrotechnics for great support,” said Rodgers. “The support that we get at home and away is absolutely incredible.
“We can’t let that type of behaviour dictate whether fans can then maybe be in a position where they can’t attend a game. That’s not fair, it’s not right.
“People that have followed Celtic home and away for years and years should never be getting banned.
“The support is incredible, and like I say, it’s not something that we need. We’re not a club that needs that to ignite our support base.
“What we bring to a stadium in colour and noise is absolutely amazing. I hope that this does end that.”
Rodgers stressed the importance of Celtic’s fans, explaining how crucial their presence is to the team’s success, both at home and on the road.
“For the players on the field, the fans make such a monumental difference for us,” he continued. “That’s what this club has been about – the supporters driving the team on right until the end in games.
“It certainly wouldn’t make things easier for us going away from home without our own people there.”
Rodgers also questioned the motives of those engaging in such behaviour, stating, “It’s nothing to do with football. And if you do keep doing it, then you’re showing that you don’t really care.
“You don’t care for the team, your support, or the club, because ultimately the club are getting fined as well. If you keep doing it, you show that you’re not actually worried about your club, you’re just worried about yourself.
“If you need to do it, do it outside – don’t do it inside the stadium. We don’t want risks to other people or the team.
“When I see flares at a game, I’m always worried about the folk behind that.
“If you’re a young child at a game, with all of the smoke that comes off that, I’m not sure it’s a great, enjoyable experience.”
UEFA’s statement on the sanctions read:
Match: Borussia Dortmund vs. Celtic FC (7:1), 01.10.2024, UEFA Champions League 2024/2025
Charges against Celtic FC: Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c) DR
Decision: “The CEDB has decided: To fine Celtic FC €20,000 and to ban Celtic FC from selling tickets to its away supporters for a total of one (1) UEFA club competition match, for lighting of fireworks. Said ban from selling tickets to its away supporters is suspended for a probationary period of two (2) years, starting from the date of the present decision.”
Rodgers’ plea serves as a stark reminder to fans ahead of their upcoming fixtures: the support is vital, but misconduct puts the team and the club’s reputation at serious risk. With a suspended away ticket ban hanging over them, Celtic must now tread carefully to avoid further sanctions that could leave them without crucial backing in Europe.