Tuesday, 4th February, 2014
Celtic have been spared punishment for their fans displaying an "offensive" banner during a game against Aberdeen, which had landed them in hot water with the SPFL.
The Scottish league's governing body had taken a dim view of a section of fans displaying a large banner with H on it, during their home game last November.
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The sign was deemed offensive due to its symbolism with a prison block in Belfast's Maze Prison, where 10 Irish Republicans died in 1981.
The incident came just four days before Celtic fans again displayed banners relating to the Irish Republican Army in a Champions League match against AC Milan.
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They were fined £42,000 by UEFA, but the SPFL have decided against a financial punishment for the previous incident.
"SPFL regulations forbid words or conduct or displaying any writing or other thing which indicates support for, or affiliation to, or celebration of, or opposition to an organisation or group proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000," a statement read.
"The SPFL found that the banner was offensive and breached the SPFL’s rules.
"However, Celtic FC were able to demonstrate that they had taken all reasonably practicable steps to prevent the banner being displayed at Celtic Park.
"As a result, it was determined that there was no evidence of any breach of the SPFL’s Rules by Celtic FC."
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