Celtic have long been at the mercy of UEFA’s financial sanctions, particularly when it comes to issues involving fan behavior and matchday conduct. One of the key topics that has sparked controversy in recent years is the use of pyrotechnics, or “pyro,” by supporters, which has led to hefty fines for the club.
UEFA has maintained a tough stance on the use of illegal fireworks at European fixtures, targeting several clubs for such offenses. But now, Celtic may once again find themselves facing UEFA scrutiny, not for pyro this time, but for something that happened during the halftime break in their recent Champions League match against RB Leipzig.
Neil Lennon on Possible UEFA Fine for Halftime Delay:
Neil Lennon, speaking during halftime analysis on TNT Sports, suggested that Celtic could face another UEFA punishment after the delayed restart of the second half in the Leipzig match. The reason for the delay? Celtic were noticeably late emerging from the dressing rooms, with Leipzig and the match officials already ready to resume play while the home side took a bit longer.
Lennon commented: “This is quite strange because Leipzig are out, the referees are out, and Celtic aren’t out. That could be a UEFA fine, believe it or not. Honestly, it’s all about the timings and I don’t know, maybe Brendan is just having a few extra words with a few of them.”
While this may seem like a minor issue, UEFA is known for strictly enforcing its regulations, particularly regarding matchday timelines, and such a delay could be seen as a breach of protocol.
Celtic’s Previous UEFA Sanctions:
Celtic’s history with UEFA sanctions is well documented. Most recently, the club was fined €20,000 in October 2024 after fans lit fireworks during their Champions League match against Borussia Dortmund. In 2021, a banner displayed by Celtic supporters during a match against Ferencvaros cost the club €15,000, while the club also faced a fine of €15,000 in 2020 due to Neil Lennon’s actions before a match against FC Copenhagen. The specifics of the 2020 incident remain unclear, but it was linked to a delay in the kick-off.
In addition, Celtic were sanctioned in 2020 after accumulating too many yellow cards in a Europa League match against Lille, which also resulted in a fine. With these past incidents in mind, Lennon’s warning about potential punishment for the halftime delay isn’t entirely out of the realm of possibility.
Could Celtic Be Punished Again?
While a delay in the restart of the second half might seem like a small, trivial matter, UEFA’s stringent rules and their zero-tolerance approach to timing violations means that Celtic could very well face another fine for this seemingly minor infraction. The governing body has shown a willingness to impose financial penalties for even the smallest breaches, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they took action again, even if this issue seems relatively insignificant.
As is often the case, Celtic fans will be hoping that any potential sanction doesn’t overshadow the club’s excellent on-field performance and continued success in Europe. However, with UEFA’s firm stance on compliance, it’s clear that the club will need to remain vigilant on all fronts, not just in terms of match results, but also in adhering to the strict protocols governing European competition.
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