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

Peter Lawwell blasts Celtic AGM to 'behave or leave' as fans clash over Green Brigade

Peter Lawwell was forced to call for peace during today's Celtic AGM as supporters clashed over the Green Brigade.

The ultra group are currently banned from attending all matches involving the club due to safety protocols.

During the question and answer section of the AGM one supporter stated the group are "divisive and disruptive" and claimed the current ban should be made permanent.

The claim was met with a number of boos, but mainly by applause in the Kerrydale Suite inside Celtic Park.

Chairman Lawwell then stepped in and told those attending to "behave or leave".

CEO Michael Nicholson then responded to the question as he insisted the stadium ban is not about behaviour but safety as the club have had increasing concerns raised about safety at games this season.

Nicholson said: "We take the safety of supporters very seriously. Before every game we have safety briefings."

The club confirmed they are engaging with the Green Brigade and communication will continue.

Today's heated AGM comes as Celtic have continued to incur the wrath of UEFA after being fined 29,000 euros (£25,224) for incidents involving their supporters at last month’s Champions League draw at home to Atletico Madrid.

Following a night when fans defied the club’s pleas not to bring flags or banners relating to the war in the Middle East, the Hoops were fined 17,500 euros (£15,222) for displaying “a provocative message of an offensive nature”.

Celtic were also fined 8,000 euros (£6,960) for their supporters blocking public passageways and 3,500 euros (£3,044) for the lighting of fireworks.

Atletico were also sanctioned for issues surrounding the 2-2 draw in Glasgow on 25 October.

The Spanish club were fined 3,000 euros (£2,610) for the lighting of fireworks, while they received a warning for the “improper conduct of the team”.

The punishment in the wake of the Atletico showdown represents the third time in three Champions League matches this term that Celtic have been hit with a financial penalty.

The Parkhead club were fined 23,400 euros after fans lit fireworks in the stands ahead of their group opener against Feyenoord in Rotterdam, and then, following their second match at home to Lazio, they had to pay 20,000 euros for offensive banners as well as 3,500 euros for the use of fireworks among their supporters.

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