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Linfield warn of 'serious and lasting consequences' for fans who threw objects at Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths shows the referee a glass bottle thrown onto the pitch at Windsor Park during Friday's game with Linfield. Picture by Matt Bohill
Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths shows the referee a glass bottle thrown onto the pitch at Windsor Park during Friday's game with Linfield. Picture by Matt Bohill Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths shows the referee a glass bottle thrown onto the pitch at Windsor Park during Friday's game with Linfield. Picture by Matt Bohill

LINFIELD has said there will be "serious and lasting consequences" for fans who threw objects at Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths.

The Belfast club said it was "very disappointed that a small number of people" were involved in the incident during Friday's Champions League clash at Windsor Park.

Items including a bottle of Buckfast and a cup of coffee were hurled at the Celtic player as he attempted to take a corner.

Linfield chairman Roy McGivern, along with stewards, quickly intervened to calm the situation.

The club could face a fine or be forced to play behind closed doors depending on the outcome of a likely investigation by UEFA, European football's governing body.

Linfield paid tribute to the "majority of fans" who "heeded the advice we had given them ahead of the game".

The club said: "The match was played in a very good spirit and both teams played their part in delivering a highly competitive sporting occasion.

"The operational plan to manage Celtic fans who purchased tickets against their club’s wishes also worked very well."

However, Linfield said that it would be "reviewing our own footage and investigating an incident that took place during the match where a number of objects were thrown on to the pitch".

"Linfield FC strongly condemns these actions and will be taking all necessary steps to identify any individual who was engaged in this activity.

"The club takes the safety of fans, players and officials extremely seriously and there will be serious and lasting consequences for anyone involved."

One supporter made it onto the playing surface at the end of the match, as Griffiths tied a Celtic scarf to one of the goalposts, but was quickly ejected as police and stewards moved in.

The PSNI made one arrest in connection with the game, a 25-year-old man for disorderly behaviour.

The second leg of the tie will be played in Glasgow on Wednesday, with Celtic holding a 2-0 lead from Friday's game.

Celtic confirmed last week that all tickets have been sold out for the match, with around 1,500 Linfield fans expected to be in attendance.

Linfield said yesterday that approximately 20 spaces were remaining on a boat and bus package for its fans, while Glasgow Rangers have offered a stadium tour of Ibrox for Linfield supporters before the game.

Linfield have issued specific instructions for those travelling to the match on its website, urging them to "do nothing to harm or damage the name of the club you are supporting".

Fans have been warned that "any offensive chanting or the use of pyrotechnics will be severely dealt with" and reminded that they will be held back in the stadium for a period after the game before the coach journey to the ferry terminal at Cairnryan.

Meanwhile, the PSNI has said it is making enquiries after a picture emerged of a Linfield supporter appearing to expose himself during the match.

The picture, which has been shared on social media, appears to show a middle aged man wearing a Linfield top apparently gesturing with his genitals.

It is believed the offensive taunts may have been directed at nearby Celtic supporters.

PSNI Inspector Ian McCormick said: “We are aware of the incident and officers are currently are making a number of enquiries."

The man, who is dressed in red, white and blue shorts, is surrounded by several other Linfield supporters, some of whom also appear to be making gestures of their own.