Post by Admin on Nov 14, 2011 10:45:20 GMT
The police officer who complained about Celtic to UEFA has been named as former REFEREE Eddie Smith. The former whistler, turned whistleblower as he complained about “several instances of offensive chanting” during the 3-1 Europa League victory over Rennes at Celtic park almost 2 weeks ago.
The superintendant cop is also believed to have made several comments about said incidents to SPL officials who were also in attendance at the match.
The former whistler isn’t immune from his share of controversy either. In a couple of incidents in SPL games against St Mirren in 2008, he awarded Celtic a 30 YARD free kick late on, which Shunsuke Nakamura scored it, leaving an irate Gus MacPherson to complain to SFA regarding it.
He is also claimed to have given the St Mirren boss a wink after awarding celtic a penalty in the opening game of the following season. Which was given after a Will Haining foul,saw him sent off.
But his latest big decision could see Celtic dragged up to UEFA’s dock to face possible punishment on December 8.
Celtic are preparing their response to UEFA and have confirmed they are “looking into the claims”, which are believed to centre on songs about the IRA.
But behind the scenes they have been surprised at Smith’s involvement, describing his actions as “unprecedented”.
This, however, has been shot down by the police who have described his post-match debriefing with the delegate as the accepted protocol.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said: “For Eddie to speak to the delegate after the match is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, it is standard practice.
“We can confirm there were a number of instances during the game of singing offensive songs and inquiries are ongoing to detect the offenders.”
The club are understood to have been taken by surprise by the action from UEFA, who have not confirmed what charge Celtic may face or when any disciplinary hearing may take place.
A Celtic Park source said: “This is quite unprecedented as no issues were raised to the club during the match and the police didn’t inform us directly about their concerns.”
Celtic last month urged fans to stop singing pro-IRA chants after being “inundated” with complaints from their own supporters following their 2-0 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle.
Lothian and Borders Police launched an investigation into the “singing of sectarian songs” following the game on October 2.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Chants glorifying the Provisional IRA are totally unacceptable.
“We have dealt with it at Celtic Park and we will do all we can to make sure it doesn’t happen home or away.”
Possible UEFA sanctions include fine and ban on supporters.
The superintendant cop is also believed to have made several comments about said incidents to SPL officials who were also in attendance at the match.
The former whistler isn’t immune from his share of controversy either. In a couple of incidents in SPL games against St Mirren in 2008, he awarded Celtic a 30 YARD free kick late on, which Shunsuke Nakamura scored it, leaving an irate Gus MacPherson to complain to SFA regarding it.
He is also claimed to have given the St Mirren boss a wink after awarding celtic a penalty in the opening game of the following season. Which was given after a Will Haining foul,saw him sent off.
But his latest big decision could see Celtic dragged up to UEFA’s dock to face possible punishment on December 8.
Celtic are preparing their response to UEFA and have confirmed they are “looking into the claims”, which are believed to centre on songs about the IRA.
But behind the scenes they have been surprised at Smith’s involvement, describing his actions as “unprecedented”.
This, however, has been shot down by the police who have described his post-match debriefing with the delegate as the accepted protocol.
A spokesman for Strathclyde Police said: “For Eddie to speak to the delegate after the match is nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, it is standard practice.
“We can confirm there were a number of instances during the game of singing offensive songs and inquiries are ongoing to detect the offenders.”
The club are understood to have been taken by surprise by the action from UEFA, who have not confirmed what charge Celtic may face or when any disciplinary hearing may take place.
A Celtic Park source said: “This is quite unprecedented as no issues were raised to the club during the match and the police didn’t inform us directly about their concerns.”
Celtic last month urged fans to stop singing pro-IRA chants after being “inundated” with complaints from their own supporters following their 2-0 defeat by Hearts at Tynecastle.
Lothian and Borders Police launched an investigation into the “singing of sectarian songs” following the game on October 2.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Chants glorifying the Provisional IRA are totally unacceptable.
“We have dealt with it at Celtic Park and we will do all we can to make sure it doesn’t happen home or away.”
Possible UEFA sanctions include fine and ban on supporters.