Celtic hit by new UEFA fines over 'provocative message' against Atletico

Celtic have been hit with three new UEFA fines in relation to their Champions League game against Atletico Madrid.

The Hoops have been fined a total of £25,000 from the 2-2 draw in Glasgow on October 25 including £15,000 for a “provocative message of an offensive nature”.

It is the third time from their opening three group games that they have incurred charges from UEFA.

The other two fines from the game relate to “blocking of public passageways” (£6,900) and “lighting of fireworks” (£3,000).

Atletico have been fined £2,600 for “”lighting of fireworks” and been warned over the “Improper conduct of the team (5 players or more)” in the same game.

Thousands of fans waved Palestine flags ahead of the game that took place at Celtic Park.

The display came amid ongoing conflict in the middle east between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Fans ignored pleas from the club urging them to refrain from bringing any banners or flags that related to the conflict.

One flag amongst the display featured the logo of the PFLP, Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, who are included as a restricted group in the EU’s external terrorist organisation list.

The governing body for European football released their latest round of fines on Wednesday.

Fan group the Green Brigade have since been banned from attending the stadium by the club – that issue has not been resolved with the “Ultras” still locked out.

Members of the group claimed that the flying of the Palestinian flag was to blame for the ban, but Celtic have denied this and cited a string of behavioural issues and safety concerns as the reason.

STV News has contacted UEFA to clarify if the £15,000 fine for a “provocative and offensive message” was in relation to the Palestine flag display.