Celtic charged by UEFA over ‘illicit’ Irish songs

NYON, Switzerland (AP)—UEFA has charged Scottish club Celtic over its fans’ “illicit chanting” of Irish political songs at a Europa League match.

UEFA says Celtic officials have been summoned to a Dec. 8 disciplinary hearing.

The case was opened after Celtic’s home match against French club Rennes on Nov. 3 when police reported the “offensive” chants to UEFA’s match delegate, Christian Kofoed of Denmark.

UEFA’s disciplinary rules prohibit using religious insults and “ideological propaganda.”

Supporters of Celtic and Glasgow city rival Rangers traditionally sing about Irish religious history.

UEFA banned Rangers supporters traveling to a Champions League match this season as punishment for sectarian chants in last season’s Europa League.