Brendan Rodgers slams some Celtic fans after recent actions

Celtic have one of the best supports in world football. That is not an opinion. It is a fact. And it has been backed year after year, by some of the biggest names in the sport. Sometimes, things can go wrong though. Some fans decide to show their passion for the club in ways that may not be productive.

Celtic were this week handed a fine of close to £17,000 by UEFA. Alongside that, they also got a suspended one-match ban on selling tickets to travelling fans after some supporters lit flares at their recent Champions League defeat against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park away in Germany.

Celtic getting fined in Europe for the activity of the supporters is nothing new. Brendan Rodgers certainly seems to be hoping that it stops though.

The Celtic manager appears to be relying on the prospect of a ban to ensure the practice of lighting flares in the stands stops. As reported by RTE, Rodgers said:

"Hopefully, yes, because it's nothing to do with football.

"And if you do keep doing it, you're showing that you don't really care. You don't really care for the team. You don't care for the support and you don't care for your club because the club ultimately are getting fined as well.

"So if you keep doing it, you're clearly showing that you're actually not really worried about your own club, you're worried about yourself. So it doesn't need it.

"And if you need to do it, then do it outside the stadium, but don't do it inside where you're going to cause a risk to other people, other supporters, risk yourself not being there and obviously the team ultimately.

"When I see the flares, I'm always worried about the people behind, what's happening with them. And if you're a young child at a game and the smoke and everything that comes off that, I'm not sure it's a great, enjoyable experience."

Brendan Rodgers slams some Celtic fans after recent actions

Of course, it is easy to understand why some fans, especially those going away in Europe, want to create an unforgettable atmosphere in the stands. But there are ways to do things and rules to abide by.

Unfortunately for Celtic, the supporters have not stuck to the rules on numerous occasions in recent years. Hopefully, with the prospect of a ban, things will change in the upcoming matches in the Champons League.

Celtic have a very important game coming up next, against Atalanta. They will be hoping to get a positive result and put the nightmare of the Borussia Dortmund game behind them. That is easier said than done though as the Italian club are a fantastic side as well. So, the Hoops will need to be at their best and the support must make a difference as well.