Celtic hit with UEFA fine after Linfield match

Celtic were charged over an illicit banner, a kit infringement and the blocking of stairways during the match, European football's governing body said on Friday.

(Reuters)

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths was suspended for provoking spectators and Linfield were handed a partial stadium closure by UEFA, after the highly-charged first leg in Belfast on July 14. Both clubs were also fined by UEFA.

Celtic, Scottish champions for the past six seasons, have a support base which is traditionally drawn from Glasgow's Catholic community whereas Linfield's is mainly Protestant.

The first leg was moved back two days to avoid clashing with anniversary celebrations of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne by Northern Ireland loyalists.

Celtic beat Linfield 4-0 in the second leg to advance to the next round of Champions League qualification 6-0 on aggregate.

(Reporting by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)