Celtic have appealed sanctions imposed by the Scottish Football Association for fan disorder following last season's Old Firm Scottish Cup quarter-final. The club, along with Rangers, is challenging a stadium closure and a £100,000 fine.
An independent appeal hearing began on Monday and continued into Tuesday, with a decision expected to be announced as early as Wednesday. The SFA had ruled that both clubs must play their next home Scottish Cup match behind closed doors and pay compensation to the away team. Further suspended sanctions mean a second fan ban would be triggered by any repeat of "unacceptable conduct" in a future cup fixture.
Celtic described the punishments as "disproportionate". The charges stemmed from chaotic scenes at Ibrox last March, where fans from both sides entered the pitch and clashed after a goalless draw that Celtic won on penalties. Dozens of arrests were made in connection with the violence. The SFA's case was informed by a detailed 37-page dossier compiled by expert Mark Blackbourne.
The appeal comes as Celtic maintain their strong position at the top of the <a href="/standings">Premiership table</a>, sitting first with 27 points from 10 games. The team's form has been mixed recently, with three wins and two losses in their last five matches across all competitions. They have scored an average of 2.4 goal minutes per game this season, a key factor in their league standing, and now turn their focus to their <a href="/fixtures">next fixture</a> against Ross County at Celtic Park.
The Scottish Cup tie in question was notable as it marked the first time in seven years Celtic supporters were allocated the full Broomloan Stand at Ibrox, bringing around 7,500 away fans to the ground. A complete ban on away supporters for derby matches has since been reinstated for this season. A final ruling on the appeal is anticipated imminently.
Read the full report at Daily Record Football
