Celtic fury over ‘appalling’ yobs

Celtic bosses have voiced their disgust after mindless thugs trashed Motherwell’s stadium.

Hooligans ripped up seats, daubed them with IRA slogans and let off flares and smoke bombs during Friday night’s 5-0 clash against the Lanarkshire side.

Celtic officials vowed a full investigation into the rampage which wrecked large sections of the South Stand at Fir Park.

After Celtic scored the first goal, a missile was thrown from their section of the ground, narrowly missing goalkeeper Fraser Forster’s head.

A green smoke bomb was also launched on to the pitch, which exploded near the English international’s goal line.

Police said 18 smoke bombs, three fireworks and one flare were set off at the game. Despite the damage no arrests were made.

Celtic yesterday issued a strongly-worded statement condemning those involved in the vandalism. It said: “Clearly we are appalled by the scenes from the match and the actions of a small minority.

“Those actions have again tarnished the great reputation of the club and our supporters on a night when our team produced a fantastic performance.

“We are currently investigating these events and will update our supporters early next week.”

Celtic manager Neil Lennon also hit out at the yobs who carry flares and fireworks to matches. He stormed: “It is unnecessary. I don’t see what they bring to the game.

“It’s at our end with our goalkeeper there and it’s a worry that by accident someone could get hit.

“I don’t see what the turn-on is with it it does nothing for me. I just don’t see what they add to the atmosphere of the game.”

A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Significant damage was caused to seats within the ground and we are looking into this matter along with the club to establish the circumstances.”

It’s the latest in a worrying trend of incidents involving fireworks and flares.

Last week, the Scottish Football Association launched a probe after a spate of fireworks were used during Scottish Cup ties.

A teenage girl was arrested after a flare was thrown from the Rangers support after their win at Falkirk.

A smoke bomb was also thrown from the Motherwell support during their defeat by Albion Rovers.