Celtic hit with UEFA fine over 'illicit banner' during Linfield match

Celtic have been hit with a £20,600 fine over an "illicit banner" that was brandished by fans during their Champions League qualifier against Linfield.

UEFA imposed the penalty in relation to a large flag depicting a masked parliamentary fighter which appeared in the stands during the Hoops' 4-0 win over the Northern Irish outfit.

Celtic issued the following statement in response to the incident: "Any support for a paramilitary or proscribed terrorist organisation has no place at Celtic Park. The club has been consistent in condemning such conduct on the very few occasions in the past when it has occurred at Celtic Park. It is unfortunate that such a small minority of the crowd at Celtic Park last night behaved in such a way.

"We know that the Celtic support will join us in condemning such behaviour. Events last night have resulted in charges from UEFA in relation to the paramilitary banners and unsafe behaviour in a section of the Celtic support. The club has commenced an inquiry and will take appropriate action."

Both legs of Celtic's meeting with Linfield were marred by controversy, with Hoops striker Leigh Griffiths receiving a one-match suspension for "provoking" the home fans in the away leg by tying a Celtic scarf to one of the goalposts.