Celtic fans DODGE ban for away trip to Bayern Munich after shock Uefa judgement

CELTIC fans have AVOIDED a ban from attending the blockbuster Champions League play-off showdown in Munich on February 18.

Uefa are cracking down on fan behaviour and warned Celtic with an away fan ban after a green smoke bomb was launched onto the pitch at Villa Park from the Hoops end.

2 The pyro device landed on the pitch during the Champions League clash Credit: EPA

2 A steward removed it from the grass Credit: Reuters

European football's governing body had already sanctioned the club over the use of pyrotechnics during their defeat to Borussia Dortmund in October.

Celtic were fined £16,600 with a one-match away supporters ban - suspended for a period of two years.

The club were warned that a repeat offence over that two-year period could see that ban enforced.

During Celtic's final Champions League group clash with Aston Villa, a green smokebomb was hurled onto the pitch.

But Uefa have decided a 10,000 Euro fine is sufficient punishment - which means Celtic fans WILL be allowed in the Allianz Arena for the big second leg clash.

A Uefa statement read: "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:

Lighting of fireworks, Art. 16(2)(c) of UEFA Disciplinary Regulations (DR)

Throwing of objects, Art. 16(2)(b) DR

Celtic and Aston Villa fans fight in shocking scenes at Champions League clash

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

The Scottish champions host the German giants at Parkhead on Wednesday February 12 for the first leg.

It's the club's first Champions League knockout round tie since they faced Juventus in 2013.

Celts chiefs feared the ban would be sanctioned and warned supporters not to arrange travel before their fate was decided by Uefa.

Many punters snapped up flights to Munich in any case.

Brendan Rodgers pleaded with Uefa not to deny fans their first away day in the knockout round of the competition in over a decade.

But the manager also slammed the minority who have ruined the occasion for "genuine" fans.

He said: “I’m hoping and praying this doesn’t get taken away from the supporters. I’d be bitterly disappointed for every genuine Celtic supporter if it happened.

“The club will always fight for our supporters but it’s been a catalogue of events, it’s not just that one [at Villa Park].

“For those supporters that genuinely bond with their club and have travelled near and far, to be at the risk of not going, tells you the culmination of events that have taken us to that point."

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