Imperious Football Fans (20/08/16)
As everyone knew they would the footballing authorities (UEFA) have instigated disciplinary proceedings against Celtic FC presumably under paragraph 16 (2) (e) of their code which prohibits the transmission (at a football match) of any messages that are of a "political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature."
The rule has nothing to do with free speech, of course, as people are free to protest and demonstrate to their hearts content outside of the ground; the real issue is to discourage fans from hijacking a sporting event for their own selfish political or other ends.
UEFA are now likely to impose a hefty fine on Celtic over the incident which is an unfair, collective punishment in many ways since the Greetin' Brigade is supported by only a small minority of fans who believe that their political outlook is superior and more enlightened than the majority of Celtic supporters.
Statement from Celtic Football Club
UEFA has today notified the club that disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with the UEFA disciplinary regulations.
The notification relates to “illicit banner” at the match on August 17, under article 16(2) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations. The matter will be decided by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body when it meets on September 22, 2016.
Celtic will not make any further comment on this matter until this process is complete.
Article 16(2)
However, all associations and clubs are liable for the following inappropriate behaviour on the part of their supporters and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match:
a. the invasion or attempted invasion of the field of play;
b. the throwing of objects;
c. the lighting of fireworks or any other objects;
d. the use of laser pointers or similar electronic devices;
e. the use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature;
f. acts of damage;
g. causing a disturbance during national anthems;
h. any other lack of order or discipline observed inside or around the stadium.
