BRENDAN Rodgers last night admitted having a section of Parkhead closed in one of Celtic’s remaining Champions League group games would make it difficult for his side to overcome their opponents.
The Scottish champions are facing fresh sanctions from UEFA after one of their fans invaded in the pitch in the first half of the Group B match against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday night and attempted to kick opposition striker Kylian Mbappe.
The Glasgow club has been disciplined by European football’s governing body 11 times in the past six years as a result of the conduct of their supporters – most recently following a game against Linfield back in July.
There are now fears that a meeting of UEFA’s control, ethics and disciplinary body on October 19 may decide to shut a section of their stadium as punishment for the latest incident. Celtic play Bayern Munich at home on October 31 and Anderlecht on December 5.
Rodgers feels that would impact upon their chances of success.
“It is certainly not something that we would want,” he said. “I read an interesting interview with Peter Grant a while back. He was talking about the game against Atletico Madrid in 1985 (Celtic were forced to play a European Cup Winners’ Cup match at Celtic Park behind closed doors).
“They went away and got a result (they drew 1-1), but then had to play in an empty stadium at home and actually ended up losing the game (they got beat 2-1).
“Our big advantage when we are a million miles away in terms of financial support is through the supporters. If we don’t have them then it could be difficult. It is something they might not look at, but there will be a question asked.”
Celtic closed the safe-standing section of Parkhead for two games following the Champions League qualifier against Linfield and Rodgers is hopeful Uefa will take that, and the fact the pitch invader was booed by his fellow fans as he was led away by stewards, into account.
“The reaction in the ground at the time said it all,” he said. “Any Uefa official would have heard it. The club work hard to ensure fan safety.”
Meanwhile, Callum McGregor signed a new four-year deal with Celtic but can see himself staying at Parkhead for the rest of his career.
“It is a great place to play,” said the former Hoops youth player, who has scored three goals this season.
“I came to the club when I was eight and it is pretty much all I’ve known since then apart from that [loan] spell at Notts County.
“I just wanted to sign it and continue to play and develop under the manager.”
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