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CELTIC and St Johnstone have been hammered by UEFA after flying the Palestinian flag at recent European games.

Both clubs were sanctioned by the governing body and warned about their future conduct.

Saints confirmed they have been fined €18,000 and both clubs insist they will await the official written report before deciding whether to appeal their punishment.

UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee took action after delegates flagged up the

flag-flying in their reports from Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against KR Reykjavik and the Perth men’s home leg against Europa League rivals Spartak Trnava.

(Image: PPA)

UEFA deem the Palestine flag a political symbol because the conflict with Israeli forces in the region is still ongoing.

A UEFA spokesman said: “Celtic and St Johnstone were sanctioned for infringement of Article 16 (2) (e).”

The UEFA Disciplinary Regulations on Order and Security states: “All associations and clubs are liable for the following inappropriate behaviour on the part of their supporters and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives.

“The use of gestures, words, objects 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 or provocative nature will not be tolerated.”

Yesterday a St Johnstone spokesman said: “We’ve been fined 18,000 euros for the display of a Palestinian flag and pro-Palestine chanting at our game with Spartak Trnava by UEFA.

“Obviously it’s disappointing that this has happened but we need to see what the actual case is before commenting further.”

A Celtic spokesman said: “We have asked UEFA for written reasons regarding this decision and at this stage would not be able to comment further.”

League of Ireland side Dundalk have already vowed to challenge a similar UEFA decision to fine them £14,230 after a section of their support waved Palestinian flags at the recent Europa League tie against Croatian side Hajduk Split.

The authorities also objected to Irish fans watching the game from a standing area rather than seats in the Dundalk stadium.