Celtic manager Neil Lennon conceded the suspension of unruly supporters was inevitable following the trouble at last Friday night’s Premiership game against Motherwell at Fir Park, but offered a robust defence of the vast majority of his team’s followers.
Celtic’s final Champions League fixture of this season against Barcelona at the Nou Camp tonight has been overshadowed by off-field issues.
The Parkhead club suspended 128 supporters from games and relocated 250 season-ticket holders following damage caused to seats at Fir Park.
Smoke bombs and flares were also thrown during the 5-0 win, while the Scottish Professional Football League described the scenes as “shameful” and promised an investigation.
Political banners displayed at Celtic’s Champions League game against AC Milan last month have led to the club being called to a disciplinary hearing by Uefa and Lennon said: “I think there was an air of inevitability about it (action taken by the club) and they have dealt with it as quickly and decisively and the best way they think.
“It put a negative on good results. Our supporters are the best in the world bar none. We have had a few problems of late which the club are trying to deal with as swiftly and as best they can.
“But that is not going to take away from the fantastic support we have – not just in Britain but around the world – and the great relationships our supporters forge with other clubs and the respect both sets of supporters have for each other here in Barcelona.”
The Northern Irishman, whose side are guaranteed to finish bottom of Group H and whose European campaign consequently finishes tonight, insists he is still in favour of Friday-night football, but is wary of the possibility of the sale of alcohol at games returning to the agenda.
He added: “I experienced them myself as a player. I think the players enjoyed the occasion. It was a spectacular performance so I hope that is not the end of it. Alcohol at football was an idea that was mooted to try to bring a little more flavour to the atmosphere.
“I have no proof that alcohol was involved at Fir Park, but it certainly doesn’t help.”
Emilio Izaguirre picked up his third booking against AC Milan in the last Group H fixture and will miss tonight’s game but Lennon welcomes back right back Adam Matthews, who is contention after recovering from shoulder surgery.
Captain Scott Brown returns after missing the last three European games through suspension after kicking Barca’s Neymar.