CELTIC have been cleared after an official investigation into a banner which was unfurled by fans during a match against Aberdeen.

The Scottish Professional Football League conducted the inquiry after fans held aloft a large 'H' symbol - representing the Maze Prison block in Belfast where 10 Republicans died on hunger strike in 1981 - alongside lyrics derived from Flower of Scotland during the club's home match on November 23.

The league said the banner was in breach of its rules but Celtic had taken "all reasonably practicable steps" to prevent it from being displayed at Celtic Park so would not face any sanction.

A spokesman for the SPFL said: "It was determined there was no evidence of any breach of the SPFL's rules by Celtic FC.

"The SPFL wishes to reiterate that any banners indicating support for, or affiliation to, or celebration of, or opposition to an organisation or group proscribed in terms of the Terrorism Act 2000 or are otherwise offensive, are not welcome at SPFL grounds."