UEFA is investigating claims by Dutch giants Ajax that it was given controversial advice on sectarianism by Scottish football bosses.

The report by the game's European governing body alleges the Scottish FA told Ajax terms such as 'Fenian' and 'Orange' were viewed as a "badge of honour" by half of Old Firm fans and it did not warn clubs about the use of such discriminatory language.

The claims emerged in the findings of disciplinary action taken against Ajax after its fans displayed a banner with the words ‘Fenian B*******’ when it last played Celtic in Amsterdam nearly two years ago.

But, days before the Dutch side again take on Celtic in the Netherlands, the SFA has vigorously denied it offered Ajax any advice on the matter and was seeking answers from UEFA as to why the submission was included.

A UEFA spokeswoman told The Herald: "We are aware of this case. We are currently in touch with the SFA and Ajax to check this situation. That is ongoing.

"There is no information at this stage on whether a case will be opened on the matter or not so we can't comment any further on our side."

Ajax said that it had contacted the SFA "regarding that certain banner" but said it would not comment further on an incident from 2013, especially with a game against Celtic so close on the horizon.

The UEFA report criticised its Scottish counterparts as "reckless" amid claims allegedly passed on to Ajax officials that it viewed sectarian terms as part of the national game.

One SFA senior source said it was "deeply unhappy" Ajax had made the claim and "disappointed" Uefa did not check the comments with Glasgow.

Ajax were fined £25,000 for the banner and ordered to close part of their stadium during a European game as punishment.

Uefa claimed that when preparing its defence over the use of the term 'Fenian' by its fans, Ajax had been told by the SFA's disciplinary services manager that half the Celtic support used the word "as a badge of honour while the other half might consider it unpleasant".

It added: "The Scottish FA did not consider the word 'Fenian' racist. It neither warned nor punished Celtic FC or Rangers FC for calling each other 'Orange B*******' and “Fenian B*******” respectively, since it considered such provocative words part of the game."

It continues: "The fact that the Scottish FA, for its own internal reasons, does not consider references to 'Fenian B*******' as an offence cannot prevent the Uefa disciplinary bodies from punishing such behaviour, since they are independent bodies.

"This argument, which therefore is clearly unfounded and even reckless, does not merit a more detailed assessment."

But while the SFA has confirmed it was approached by Ajax to provide a statement as part of their case, it has insisted none was provided.

A spokeswoman said: "The club was advised, in writing, that we would not provide any such statement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Scottish FA did not present the information outlined in the submissions and we are seeking clarification on this matter from Uefa."

A senior source added: "Even if such a banner was displayed at a Scottish ground it would be a matter for the SPFL. "Uefa operates strict liability. We don't. We agree with it but its our members who decide."

