Celtic fined after flares set off during Europa League tie against Dinamo Zagreb

Celtic have been fined 10,000 euros (£7,300) by UEFA following crowd disturbances during their Europa League tie against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.

European football's governing body held discplinary hearings against the Scottish champions after flares were set off among visiting fans during their 4-3 defeat last December.

Prior to the tie at the Stadion Maksimir, Celtic appealed to their supporters to be on their best behaviour following four previous incidents which resulted in charges from UEFA.

In a statement on their official website, they said: “We stress the dangers surrounding fireworks and pyrotechnics which are considered a serious safety issue. The discharge of such items, not only creates a hazard to spectators but will expose Celtic FC to disciplinary action by UEFA.”

And on the eve of the Hoops last-32 second leg tie against Inter Milan, first team coach John Collins has appealed to the fans travelling to Italy to be on their best behaviour in the San Siro.

Speaking at Glasgow Airport, he said: "We are obviously disappointed. We had 60,000 last week for first leg and it was unbelievable behaviour from every one of them, the atmosphere, and that is what Celtic is all about.

'Important'

"One or two causing problems and hopefully that is the last we hear of it. They are representing a wonderful football club and throughout the years the vast majority of them have been impeccably behaved and we have a great reputation throughout Europe.

"There are one or two who we have to try to weed out and it's vitality important that the fans behave themselves in Milan.

"They are representing a wonderful football club. Over the years the vast majority of them have been impeccably behaved and earned a great reputation throughout Europe."

And Celtic have reacted to their latest UEFA charge by pleading with supporters to keep keep flares away from all matches.

A spokesman for the club said: "Clearly everyone is extremely disappointed that the behaviour of only a handful of people and in particular the use of flares, have led to a further fine from UEFA.

“We have repeatedly called for the use of flares to stop. We cannot and will not allow the safety of our supporters or the reputation of our great club to be compromised by the actions of a tiny minority.

“It is time those responsible understand the damage this does to the club they claim to support.”

Celtic travel to Milan on the back of a 3-3 draw, courtesy of John Guidetti's injury-time equaliser at Celtic Park last Thursday.