Bhoys fans could face action

In a week which saw Celtic fined £12,700 by UEFA after supporters were reported for "illicit chanting" in a previous Europa League fixture against Rennes, there was more controversy in the stands at Stadio Friuli.

A derogatory banner aimed at European football's governing body was brandished and there were flares set alight, one of which was thrown onto the running track.

If either incident is included in reports from Greek referee Michael Koukoulakis and Danish match delegate Steen Dahrup then UEFA could take action.

A UEFA spokesman commented: "We expect to receive reports from the referee and the match official today or tomorrow at the latest. Based on what is in the official reports, we will decide if there is to be any investigation."

On a night where his players did boss Neil Lennon and the Parkhead club proud, the Irishman was forced to address the possibility of more UEFA action due to the behaviour of some fans.

Lennon is waiting to see what UEFA action, if any, might be forthcoming, but from where he was sat he believed the club's fans behaved 'impeccably'.

Outcome

"I didn't see the flare before the game so I will have to wait and see what the outcome is," he said.

"From where I was it looked like the supporters behaved themselves impeccably and I hope that (possible trouble) is not going to be the case."

It was a valiant effort from the SPL club, especially in the first half where they had the home side in all sorts of trouble.

Striker Gary Hooper took advantage of a mix-up in the Udinese defence in the 29th minute to tap in from a yard out but veteran striker Antonio Di Natale notched from close range himself with seconds remaining in the first half.

Lennon insists he can "take a lot of positives" from the game as he looks forward to the Scottish Premier League clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Sunday.

Performance

"It was up there with some of the best performances in my management time, certainly away from home in Europe against probably the best team that I have faced," he continued.

"All credit to Udinese, you can see why they are up there but we feel we are a pretty good side ourselves.

"From the first whistle to the death I thought we were fantastic as a team, I thought there were some wonderful performances.

"To come here and play a team at the top of Serie A and take the game to them and play the football we played and create the chances we created, I can't speak highly enough of the team.

"We have to transmit that from European football to domestic honours."