UEFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Celtic for Palestinian flags

UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against Celtic on Friday for the display of "illicit banners" during the first leg of Champions League play-offs Aug. 17 against Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

The banners in question were Palestinian flags, which some Celtic supporters displayed during the tilt at Celtic Park. The European football governing body is considering them under Article 16(2) of its disciplinary regulations.

UEFA will deal with the case on Sept. 22, according to its statement.

Article 16(2) identifies eight types of supporter behaviour that clubs are responsible and can be disciplined for "even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match." The prohibited acts include setting off fireworks, throwing objects, and field invasion, as well as:

the use of gestures, words, object or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious, offensive or provocative nature.

Celtic has said it won't comment further on the matter until the Sept. 22 meeting.