oct2007

UEFA has today fined Celtic approximately £25,000, with half of this amount being deferred for a probational period of two years.

Celtic’s Chief Executive commented, “As a Club we feel this penalty is proportionate to the incident in question and a fair outcome”.

“Celtic Football Club took this matter extremely seriously and following an immediate internal investigation took swift and firm action against the offender in question”.

“Celtic Football Club will continue to take all organisational, security and health and safety matters as its first priority. We have one of the best health and safety records in Europe and we will continue to work to ensure that Celtic Park remains one of the finest Champions League venues in the game.”

UEFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against AC Milan and their goalkeeper Dida in the wake of events at last week's UEFA Champions League Group D match against Celtic FC in Glasgow.

Disciplinary regulations
The proceedings have been instigated on the basis of Article 5 paragraph 1 of the disciplinary regulations (Principles of conduct), under which "member associations, clubs, as well as their players, officials and members, shall conduct themselves according to the principles of loyalty, integrity and sportsmanship". UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body will hear the case on 11 October.

Thursday hearing
On Friday, UEFA announced that it had opened disciplinary proceedings against Celtic on charges of lack of organisation and improper conduct of supporters at the same match (Articles 6 and 11c of the UEFA disciplinary regulations). This case will also be heard by UEFA on 11 October.

Soccer-Ancelotti stands by Dida but says he made a mistake

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said goalkeeper Dida made a mistake in collapsing to the floor after being slapped by a Celtic fan on Wednesday.

UEFA have opened a disciplinary case against the Scottish side after the supporter invaded the pitch and approached Dida following Celtic's last-gasp winner in the 2-1 Champions League victory over the European champions.

The European governing body has also asked Milan why Dida was substituted. There was minimal contact between the fan and the keeper, who initially gave chase before suddenly collapsing to the ground and being carried off.

"In the course of the last few years Dida has demonstrated great sportsmanship and fair play," Ancelotti told a news conference on Saturday.

"The other night he made an error, I do not know why he did that. I think he has made a mistake but that is that. The doctor could not know the extent of the damage and preferred to avoid any risks."

Italian media, as well as criticising the Brazilian for his dramatic fall, blamed him for the two Celtic goals and have speculated that Milan are looking for another keeper.

Reports said the European champions nearly bought Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon during the close season but were put off by the price. Ancelotti backed Dida for Sunday's Serie A trip to Lazio and denied he was on his way out.

"Dida is the goalkeeper of Milan, the issue is closed and finished," he added.

Milan, who are struggling in Serie A, have defensive problems for Sunday's game with left back Marek Jankulovski ruled out with a knee injury while Andrea Pirlo, Clarence Seedorf and Massimo Ambrosini are slight doubts.

THE individual who entered the field of play at last night’s match against AC Milan has made himself known to Celtic Football Club and will now be banned for life from attending Celtic matches.

After approaching the Club to identify himself, the 27-year-old male, who is not a Celtic season book holder, has today been interviewed by Club representatives. Following this interview, the individual has been taken into custody by Strathclyde Police. The Police will now continue their enquiries into this incident.

Celtic’s Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell commented: "Clearly, Celtic take this issue extremely seriously and it is satisfying that this individual has been identified so swiftly. The individual in question has now been banned for life from attending Celtic matches, both home and away.

"Outwith this incident, the Celtic support last night was phenomenal and I would like to thank our fans once again for their wonderful backing. Our fans have a tremendous record of positive support for the Club at home and abroad, something which has been recognised by both UEFA and FIFA and we are sure this will continue.

"It should also be said that Gordon and his team deserve enormous praise for achieving one of the most famous results in the Club's history, against the current Champions of Europe.

"Celtic Football Club enjoys a fantastic relationship with AC Milan and we are sure this will continue."