A child was burned by a flare during Celtic's European clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
The youngster, who is reported to be nine years old, was hit with the pyro shortly before the match kicked off on Tuesday night at Parkhead, which the Hoops lost 3-0. The Scottish Sun reports that the child was rushed to the on-site medical room for emergency treatment and was then taken to hospital.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident, which occurred amidst a pyrotechnic display co-ordinated by the Green Brigade group of Celtic ultras.
The huge display saw fans in the standing corner section light flares and unveil a huge decoration of a leprechaun before the match began.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Around 8pm on Tuesday, police were advised that a young child had been injured after being struck by a pyrotechnic flare within Celtic Park. The child was attended to by medical staff at Celtic Park and then due to attend a local hospital for further treatment. Enquiries into the incident are continuing.”
A spokeswoman for Glasgow City Council said: “We will raise this matter within the Stadium Advisory Group for Celtic Park and determine an appropriate course of action.”
Celtic is yet to respond to requests for comment on the incident. However, the club's supporter liaison officer (SLO) had begged fans not to bring flares into Parkhead on Tuesday. Possession of pyrotechnics inside a football stadium on a match day is illegal - meaning fans can be prosecuted for having them even if they don't set the devices off.
The use of flares also hits the club's coffers. In a statement issued on Monday, Celtic's SLO said: "Wee reminder the use of pyrotechnics including smoke bombs is prohibited within the Stadium. The use of these devices in UEFA games is likely to result in the Club receiving a sanction and fans are asked to please refrain from using these whilst inside Celtic Park, thank you."
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