Celtic fans 'Europe's best'

Celtic fans created a great atmosphere in Seville

Celtic's fans have been named the best in Europe by Uefa.

The Scottish outfit's supporters received the 2003 Uefa Fair Play Award on Wednesday for their behaviour during the club's run to the Uefa Cup final last season.

European football's governing body paid tribute to the 80,000 fans that had travelled to Seville to help create a fiesta atmosphere in the Spanish city.

Celtic Supporters Association general secretary Eddie Toner said: "The Fair Play Award is a fantastic tribute to the Celtic supporters who represented the club in Europe so magnificently last season.

"Celtic supporters have travelled in large numbers throughout Europe over many years and they have rightly earned an excellent reputation during this time.

Celtic's Uefa Cup challenge will be remembered and treasured for years to come Celtic chairman Brian Quinn

"The Fair Play Award is further recognition of the Celtic supporters' high standing in Europe and an honour which is well deserved."

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn added: "The backing the team received from supporters throughout our entire Uefa Cup run both home and away was overwhelming and the supporters' behaviour was a credit to the club.

"Despite the disappointment in Seville, Celtic's Uefa Cup challenge and the crucial role which the supporters played in this effort will be remembered and treasured for years to come."

Rivalry spurs on Celtic

Celtic season ticket holders John Byrne and John Gallagher accepted the award at the annual Uefa Football Gala in Monte Carlo.

Uefa also confirmed that it is to present a special plaque to the club's fans at Celtic Park before a match in September.

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