Rodgers Voices Celtic Fan Misconduct Fears Amid UEFA Ban Reprieve for Champions League Play-off

Brendan Rodgers Urges Celtic Fans to Heed UEFA Warnings Ahead of Bayern Clash
[Image: Smoke canister thrown during Celtic’s match at Aston Villa]

Brendan Rodgers has voiced concerns that pleas for Celtic fans to “follow the rules” might go unheeded, despite the club narrowly escaping a UEFA ban on supporters attending their Champions League play-off away leg against Bayern Munich. UEFA fined Celtic £8,340 following incidents involving pyrotechnics and object-throwing during their 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa in January. While a suspended ban from a previous case remains active, the club successfully argued against its enforcement for the Bayern clash on February 18.

Rodgers admitted uncertainty over fans’ responsiveness to warnings: “I’m not sure they’ll listen to me, but let’s hope. This element of ultras exists across football, but our focus is maintaining Celtic’s standing.” He stressed the importance of fan support, calling it “a massive part of this club” while urging adherence to regulations to avoid further penalties.

[Image: Brendan Rodgers addressing media about fan behavior]

Suspended Sentence Looms
Celtic’s suspended ban, issued after pyro incidents during a 2023 match in Dortmund, remains in place for two years. The club emphasized in a statement: “Pyrotechnics have no place at our matches. Further incidents risk excluding fans from future games.”

Taylor’s Future Amid Tierney Return
[Image: Greg Taylor in action for Celtic]

Rodgers addressed speculation around left-back Greg Taylor’s future amid reports linking him to Dinamo Zagreb. With Kieran Tierney set to return this summer, Rodgers insisted both players could coexist: “Having two quality left-backs is ideal—they’d share 60+ games a season.” He dismissed Zagreb rumors, praising Taylor’s professionalism but acknowledging contract talks remain unresolved.

[Image: Kieran Tierney during his Arsenal stint]

Sinisalo Set for Debut
Goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo will make his Celtic debut in the Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers, replacing Kasper Schmeichel, who is rested due to a minor back issue. Rodgers expressed confidence in the 23-year-old Finn: “He’s been patient and deserves this chance.”

[Image: Viljami Sinisalo training with Celtic]

Champions League Squad Updates
Celtic added January signings Jeffrey Schlupp and Jota to their Champions League squad, alongside Johnny Kenny, who returns from loan. Notable exclusions include Kyogo Furuhashi and Luis Palma, who departed for Rennes and Olympiakos.

As Celtic brace for a pivotal match in Munich, Rodgers’ focus remains on fan conduct and squad stability. With pyrotechnics risks lingering and key players’ futures in flux, the club walks a tightrope between ambition and discipline.

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