Celtic say fans infiltrated by Hammarby troublemakers who sparked ugly clashes with Swedish police during AIK clash
CELTIC are set to blame Swedish thugs if they land a Uefa charge over the unrest in the Friends Arena. Flares were let off and police entered the away end as ugly scenes marred the Hoops’ 4-1 Europa League win over AIK Stockholm. Celtic sources claimed around 350 away fans were infiltrated by hooligans from […]
CELTIC are set to blame Swedish thugs if they land a Uefa charge over the unrest in the Friends Arena.
Flares were let off and police entered the away end as ugly scenes marred the Hoops’ 4-1 Europa League win over AIK Stockholm.
Celtic sources claimed around 350 away fans were infiltrated by hooligans from AIK’s bitter rivals Hammarby.
Cops wielding batons clashed with supporters as they sought out the ringleaders at half-time in last night’s second leg.
Several fans suffered minor injuries and the clashes look certain to be reported back to Uefa by the match delegate.
Under tough strict liability rules, the flashpoints could lead to charges for the Scottish champions – who won the tie 6-2 on aggregate.
But it’s understood Celts will vigorously defend themselves if they are pulled up and have already compiled video evidence to support their case and lay the blame at the Hammarby louts.
CELTIC fans were involved in an ugly battle with Swedish police during tonight’s Europa League play-off with AIK.
Cops waded into the Hoops support at half-time as trouble erupted at the match.
Officers wielded batons as punches were thrown during the nasty confrontation.
Swedish journalist Robert Laul, who witnessed the unsavoury clashes, said: “Quite crazy scenes as Celtic fans fight with guards.”
During his post-match interview, Hoops boss Neil Lennon said he didn’t see the clashes.
But he added: “I don’t know what the issue is but our fans have been impeccable and I hope nobody is hurt.”
The clashes came after pre-match scenes that saw Hoops supporters create a sea of red smoke after setting off a number of flares in the away end.
One supporter on Twitter claimed the authorities entered the support after ‘pointing people out’.
@darrenpark762 said: “Five minutes before half time the police move along to where these guys were standing, just to my left, pointing people out.
“As soon as HT whistle blew they barged in, started grabbing guys & utterly smashing them with batons.”
Celtic won the game 4-1 on the night for a 6-1 aggregate victory that ensured their place in tomorrow’s Europa League group stage draw.
Last week, Police Scotland officers clashed with AIK fans inside Celtic Park in scenes that were laid bare by SunSport in incredible pictures.
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Supporters in the away end were filmed trying to break through the police barrier in an attempt to burst into the home section.
Images show police trying to control the away support, with cops forming a ring of steel around the section housing the travelling fans.
One image appears to show one AIK diehard being arrested in the stadium as he broke over the barrier.