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UEFA has begun disciplinary action against Celtic over a banner displayed by fans during their Champions League defeat by AC Milan.

Supporters displayed banners of Scottish historical figure William Wallace and IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands along with a set of lyrics as their side lost 3-0 to the Italians at Parkhead to end their hopes of European football after Christmas.

A UEFA statement read: "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened against Celtic FC for an incident of a non-sporting nature (illicit banner: Art. 16.2 of the disciplinary regulations) at (Tuesday) night's UEFA Champions League match against AC Milan in Glasgow.

"The case will be dealt with by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body meeting on December 11."

The banners, which were displayed in and around the section housed by the Green Brigade group of supporters, read: "The terrorist or the dreamer, the savage or the brave, depends whose vote you're trying to catch or whose face you're trying to save."

The rule UEFA referred to states that clubs are liable for "inappropriate behaviour on the part of their supporters... even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match".

The "inappropriate behaviour" includes 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, offensive or provocative nature".

Celtic were fined approximately £4,200 after supporters let off fireworks in their Celtic Park qualifier against Cliftonville in July.

In a statement released by Celtic this afternoon, the club claimed that the Green Brigade fan group - who have already been banned from the stadium on one occasion this season - had gone against their direct orders.

"With regard to last night's display, the Club made it abundantly clear in advance to the group in question that only football-related displays would be permitted and that any political display would lead to a UEFA charge.

"We, in turn, received an assurance that all displays would be 100 per cent relevant to Celtic. Therefore, the actions of this group are clearly very disappointing. We have been inundated with complaints from Celtic supporters regarding the display.

"Celtic does more now than it ever has to liaise with and support the numerous fans' groups which exist. We have encouraged and facilitated all groups and their support for the Club through various initiatives. It is clear, however, that by some at least this courtesy has not been reciprocated."

Chief Executive Peter Lawwell added: "Last night was nothing more than clear disrespect for the Club and our supporters who now face another UEFA charge.

"There have now been a number of UEFA charges made against the Club during the last three years, relating to behaviour, displays and pyrotechnics - it cannot go on any further.

"Let's be very clear. Following the actions of a small minority, these charges are made against the CLUB. It is the reputation of Celtic, our great Club and our great fans which is damaged, while others carry on indulging in such behaviour.

"Our supporters do not want this any more. We are a non-political organisation, a top football club in fantastic shape, aiming to play its part as a major football club on the European stage.

"The Club don’t want it, our manager and our team don't want it, our supporters don’t want it and the football authorities don’t want it - it has to stop.

"Celtic is a world-class football club and rightly proud of its wonderful reputation in the game. This is a reputation hard-earned by our supporters over many years. We cannot and will not allow this reputation to be tarnished any further."