Champions League: Ajax fined for banner at Celtic game

Uefa has fined Ajax £21,000 for fans displaying an offensive banner at their Champions League home game against Celtic.

The Amsterdam club originally faced a "discriminatory behaviour" charge, which was altered to "improper conduct".

Ajax won 1-0 to leapfrog Celtic into third place in Group H, having lost 2-1 in Glasgow.

Celtic's visit to the Netherlands was marred by scenes of crowd trouble.

Ajax face a second Uefa disciplinary hearing next week after fans ripped up seats at Celtic Park when the teams first met last month.

A statement from Ajax read: "Ajax have been fined by Uefa after a banner appeared on the stands of the Amsterdam ArenA during the match against Celtic FC.

"The banner was aimed at Ajax's opponents that night. Uefa imposed a fine of 25,000 euros.

"The possible penalty for such an offense is a fine of 50,000 euros plus the closure of some parts of the stadium at the next European home game.

"After a prompt and adequate response from Ajax the fine was halved and the partial closure averted. The penalty will be recovered from those responsible.

"Another case is in process arising from disturbances during Ajax's match against Celtic FC in Glasgow. A ruling is expected to follow on Thursday, 21 November."