Celtic set to go to war against rogue fans

Celtic are preparing to take a tough stance against the rogue element in their support.

The Parkhead club will hammer any supporters found guilty of the shameful scenes which marred the 5-0 win at Fir Park.

It’s understood the Hoops could be issued with a bill in excess of £10,000 to repair the damaged caused by a section of the travelling support in the South Stand on Friday night.

On top of that, 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks and a flare were set off during the course of the 90 minutes.

It comes on the back of Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell and manager Neil Lennon both criticising the Green Brigade for a recent banner displayed before their Champions League clash with AC Milan.

The club has had an uneasy relationship with the controversial section of their support.

But Friday night’s actions appears to have been the final straw for the powers-that-be within Celtic Park.

An official statement stated Celtic were “appalled” by the actions of some travelling supporters. Lennon also expressed his dismay after a flare was thrown on to the pitch.

The statement said: “Clearly we are appalled by the scenes from the Motherwell match, and the actions of a small minority which have again tarnished the great reputation of the club and our supporters on a night when our team produced such a fantastic performance.

“We are currently investigating these events and will update our supporters early next week.”

A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “Significant damage was caused to seats within the ground and we are looking into this matter along with the club to establish the circumstances.

“There were no arrests made inside the ground.”

Celtic will have to allow a police investigation to take place but are understood to be furious as the fantastic reputation their supporters have earned being blackened by a small minority.

Only last weekend, Rangers supporters caused significant damage to Falkirk’s new artificial surface by throwing a flare on to the pitch, and there were similar problems at the Albion Rovers-Motherwell Scottish Cup clash.

Meanwhile Neil Lennon plans to savour every moment of Wednesday night’s Champions League tie against Barcelona.

“Yes, I’ll relish the occasion on Wednesday night because I might never get the chance to do it again,” said Lennon.

“I want to look back on my career and think: ‘Look, I coached twice at the Nou Camp’ or ‘I coached four times in total against Barcelona’.

“It is not something where I just want to turn up to have a good time, go down to the Ramblas.”