Ajax-Celtic disorder: Fans charged with police violence

Dutch police arrested 44 people amid scenes of disorder before Celtic's game against Ajax in Amsterdam

Six Celtic fans arrested in Amsterdam after trouble flared before Wednesday's Champions League game with Ajax have appeared in court.

The men were charged with acts of violence against police officers in a public space.

They will be brought to trial before a judge on 21 November.

Dutch police said two of the men will be held in custody until that date. The other four were due to be released until the trial.

The Dutch authorities only release the first name and first initial of the surname of those charged with a crime.

The six Celtic fans were named as Thomas K, aged 30, Damian D, 23, Jozef M, 20, Paidrag M, 28, Andrew V, 21, and 49-year-old John Q.

Fans 'provoked'

The prosecutor was expected to appeal the decision to lift the pre-trial detention for four of the men.

Police made 44 arrests on Wednesday. Of the 28 Celtic supporters held, 22 were freed - 10 without charge and 12 after paying fines.

It is understood that the fines paid were up to 500 euros.

Dutch Police said following the disturbances that eight officers were hurt after being attacked with bottles and sticks by Celtic fans.

Some of the disorder was said by police to have been sparked by Dutch fans getting hold of a flag which Celtic supporters had been holding.

Police Scotland said they were aware of disorder in Amsterdam and they would work with Dutch colleagues to identify anyone involved in the trouble.

Celtic Football Club said there was "no excuse for any form of violent conduct" but stressed that many fans had been "subjected to a high degree of provocation".

In a statement, the club said it was investigating the events.

Club investigation

The statement said: "We have received numerous complaints from Celtic supporters in relation to their treatment in Amsterdam, which we will also investigate fully."

The club added that the "overwhelming majority" of its supporters behaved impeccably.

Before the Champions League game, which Celtic lost 1-0, the Scottish club urged its fans to be "extra vigilant" after a group of supporters were attacked in a city centre bar.

It was reported that about 50 Celtic fans were in the Old Sailor Cafe in Amsterdam when they were attacked by a group of hooded men on Tuesday night.

There were no serious injuries and a number of people were arrested.

Meanwhile, Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Ajax over the alleged "discriminatory behaviour of their fans" during the game against Celtic in Amsterdam.

The case will be dealt with by the Uefa control and disciplinary body on 12 November.

It is believed the proceedings relate to an offensive banner which was displayed during the game.