CELTIC officials have reacted with astonishment to the news of their (pounds) 2300 fine for their supporters' behaviour in last week's El-Hadji Diouf spitting incident at Parkhead.
The Liverpool striker was banned for two matches by UEFA for spitting at fans during the 1-1 draw in the UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg at Parkhead. European football's governing body were expected to hand out a four-match ban to the Senegalese forward but took into account ''provocation'' by Celtic fans, for which the Glasgow club were fined.
Ian McLeod, the chief executive, was appalled by the decision. ''The television evidence clearly indicates any contact made with El-Hadji Diouf by Celtic supporters was in nothing other than a friendly manner,'' he said.
''We find it astonishing that UEFA should see it otherwise, particularly given that the player has apologised unreservedly for his actions and that Liverpool Football Club have don-ated (pounds) 30,000 to the Celtic Charity Fund as a welcome gesture of goodwill immedi-ately fol-lowing the incident.
''Celtic would be first to acknowledge that Liverpool have acted honourably following this regrettable incident and both clubs remain confident that the good relationship which has evolved between them will remain.
''The fining of Celtic by UEFA, though, does yet again call into question the equity and fairness of the UEFA judicial progress, given that Celtic have no right of appeal.''
Diouf's suspension would have started with tomorrow's second leg at Anfield, although the Liverpool manager, Gerard Houllier, had already decided not to include the 22-year-old in his squad.
A UEFA spokesman said: ''The body studied video footage of the incident, in which Diouf unintentionally fell on spectators. The footage showed that Diouf was touched on the head by fans while trying to stand up, and then turned and spat towards the spectators in question.
''The incident was not seen by the team of referees. In addition, two Celtic supporters tried to enter the pitch following the incident, but were apprehended by stewards. The Control and Disciplinary Body ruled that Diouf was guilty of improper conduct, but felt that the provocative behaviour of the spectators should also be taken into account as a mitigating circumstance.''
UEFA's control and disciplinary body clearly agreed with Houllier, who suggested in the aftermath of the incident that there was a degree of provocation.
Before the hearing in Switzerland, Houllier said: ''I am sure UEFA will take into consideration the difference between spitting in somebody's face and spitting in their gen-eral direction. UEFA will see as a club we have done our job with the player.''
UEFA certainly did not view the incident as seriously as one involving Peter Luccin earlier in the season when he spat at Celtic's John Hartson. The Celta Vigo player was banned for four games.
Meanwhile, the Procurator Fiscal's office is expected to announce next week whether they will charge Diouf for the offence.
Eddie Toner, the general secretary of the Celtic Supporters' Association, last night expressed disbelief that the club had been fined for the behaviour of supporters.
''It seems a bit odd considering the player himself has apologised to the two fans,'' said Toner. ''As far as I understand it, there were no charges brought against the supporters, either.''
Liverpool on a roll, Page 33
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