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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Celtic send fans flag warning ahead of Lazio with new banner rules in place

CELTIC fans must have their banners and flags pre-approved ahead of their Champions League clash with Lazio, it has been confirmed.

The news comes after the Scottish champions were fined €20k for banners and €3500 for fireworks during a display ahead of the home-leg fixture against the Italian outfit.

Celtic fans unfurled an anti-fascist tifo that included images of Benito Mussolini and the words "Lazio vaffanculo" which translates to "Lazio f*** off".

Celtic supporter liaison officer John Paul Taylor confirmed that all flags will have to be sent to him prior to the fixture to pass inspection.

A tweet read: "We have been advised that flags, banners and drums require to be pre-approved ahead of Tuesday's match. Fans wishing to take any of these items to the stadium should send an image entitled 'Lazio Banner Request' to jptaylor@celticfc.co.uk no later than 5pm Thursday please."

Meanwhile, Celtic star Matt O'Riley said he was proud to make his international debut for Denmark ... but gutted at getting embarrassed by Northern Ireland.

The Hoops midfielder was handed his first start for his country, but the Danes were stunned by a struggling Northern Ireland side who had endured a disastrous campaign, in a shock 2-0 defeat.

And he is desperate to go again for Denmark at the Euros next summer.

He said: "It was pretty cool to be handed the No.10 jersey before the match.

"It is a number that the good players wear. So a bit of pressure, but it's not something I thought about.

"I'm obviously proud of the first international match, but a 2-0 loss to Northern Ireland ... I'm a little sad about that.

"I hope to stay in the team and play a part at the Euros next."

And Denmark manager Kasper Hjulmand insisted he had no hesitation playing O'Riley from the start.

He said: "Matt has been in the system for a while. We have had him with us for a long time and have seen him a lot.

"The last two summers there has been a bit of voluntary training around June and Matt just comes over immediately.

"He has been good for the Under 21s and I think he has taken extra steps this autumn with his club, especially in the European matches.

"We wanted to see him in action. He is a great midfield talent that we would like to see in our squad."

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