Ex-PGMOL chief outlines what punishment Celtic can expect after protest halts Stuttgart clash
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Ex-PGMOL Chief Keith Hackett Outlines Punishment Celtic Can Expect After Protest Halts Stuttgart Clash
Former PGMOL chief executive and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett has warned that Celtic face significant disciplinary action from UEFA following a fan protest that interrupted their Europa League clash against Stuttgart. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett detailed the likely punishments, drawing on UEFA's strict protocols for match disruptions[1][3].
The incident occurred during the second half of Celtic's home tie, when supporters halted play by invading the pitch in protest over recent VAR controversies, including a contentious penalty awarded to Hearts in a prior Scottish Premiership draw. Referee proceedings were paused for over 10 minutes as security cleared the field, echoing past fan unrest but escalating due to the European context[1][5]. Celtic players, led by manager Brendan Rodgers, urged calm amid the chaos, but the delay drew immediate UEFA scrutiny[3].
Hackett emphasized UEFA's zero-tolerance stance on such breaches, similar to their handling of a prior kickoff delay involving Rodgers against Bayern Munich, which resulted in a suspended touchline ban and an £8,345 fine. "UEFA operates on precise global schedules—countdown clocks dictate everything from hotel departures to tunnel entries. Disruptions like this forfeit that coordination," Hackett stated. He predicts Celtic could face a substantial fine (potentially €50,000+), partial stadium closure for future European games, and a suspended points deduction if precedents hold[3].
Hackett criticized Celtic's internal handling, likening it to Scottish FA lapses in red card appeals, such as Auston Trusty's upheld sending-off against Hearts despite failing DOGSO criteria. "Authorities must enforce the law consistently; protests can't override officiating," he added, urging a Monday review panel for retrospective sanctions[2][4].
Celtic expressed regret post-match, promising fan education, but supporters remain aggrieved over officiating inconsistencies. This saga underscores ongoing VAR and disciplinary tensions in Scottish and European football, with Hackett calling for transparency to restore trust[1][2][3].
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