Champions League play-offs: Celtic fined by UEFA over 'illicit banner, blocking of stairways' against Linfield

Celtic have been fined 23,000 euros ($27,000) by UEFA’s disciplinary panel for infringements during the second leg of their Champions League qualifying match against Northern Ireland’s Linfield in Scotland last week. [caption id=“attachment_3870741” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] A sectarian terrorist banner at the Celtic park. Twitter: @JoeCOYS[/caption] Celtic were charged over an illicit banner, a kit infringement and the blocking of stairways during the match, European soccer’s governing body said on Friday. Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths was suspended for provoking spectators and Linfield were handed a partial stadium closure by UEFA, after the highly-charged first leg in Belfast on 14 July. Both clubs were also fined by UEFA. Celtic, Scottish champions for the past six seasons, have a support base which is traditionally drawn from Glasgow’s Catholic community whereas Linfield’s is mainly Protestant. The first leg was moved back two days to avoid clashing with anniversary celebrations of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne by Northern Ireland loyalists. Celtic beat Linfield 4-0 in the second leg to advance to the next round of Champions League qualification 6-0 on aggregate.