UEFA stadium ban: Aston Villa face punishment amid Celtic controversy
UEFA could decide to impose a stadium ban on Aston Villa following supporter clashes before the Champions League encounter with Celtic, Keith Hackett has said.
It was reported by the Scottish Sun (29 January) that fans were involved in a “head-to-head” encounter just a short walk from Villa Park, prior to Unai Emery’s men winning a thrilling encounter 4-2.
According to the newspaper, supporters chanted at each other on Witton Road, while a flare was seen to be thrown towards home supporters.
Ex-FIFA referee Hackett and former PGMOL chief Hackett recalled a game between Real Madrid and Valencia he officiated having a stadium ban imposed.
He said the UEFA delegate will have reported on all incidents and that a stadium ban is a course of action open to the governing body.
Speaking exclusive to Villa News, Hackett said: Tthe UEFA delegate at the match is the eyes and ears representing UEFA.
“All aspects of security and safety are one of the key areas he reports on.
“Firstly the matter will be dealt with by the Police and given the information provided by the UEFA delegate will be acted upon.
“Years ago I can remember Real Madrid banned from playing at the Bernabéu. I officiated the game which took place in Valencia many miles away
“That may be the course of action open to UEFA or they may leave it to the Police. A lot depends on the proximity of the incident to the stadium.”
Aston Villa and Celtic fans clash
It is always a shame when scenes outside of the stadium can detract from what happens on the pitch because the game itself was an absolute barnstormer.
Morgan Rogers scored a hat-trick in a match that saw Ollie Watkins both score and comically miss a penalty when he slipped and horribly miskicked the ball.
But sadly, some unsavoury scenes away from the match have also attracted headlines, with an offensive banner also spotted on a motorway bridge in the direction Celtic fans were travelling to Birmingham for the game.
Villa will be hoping there are no serious ramifications after they booked their direct qualification to the last-16 of Europe’s premier competition as a result of their win.
In other Aston Villa news, Steve McManaman reacted immediately to “awful” information he was told during the game versus Celtic.
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