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Thursday, 4 October 2007, 16:26 GMT 17:26 UK

Celtic pitch invader is arrested

The fan runs on to the pitch during Celtic's goal celebrations A Celtic fan who ran on to the pitch during the Champions League game against AC Milan has been arrested for breach of the peace.

The 27-year-old has also been banned for life by Celtic after he made himself known to the Glasgow club.

He had rushed from the stand following Celtic's last-minute goal and appeared to strike Milan goalkeeper Dida.

Chief executive Peter Lawwell told the club's website: "It is satisfying that he has been identified so swiftly."

The impact from the fan's flailing arm appeared minimal, but Dida collapsed to the ground and was taken off on a stretcher after initially chasing the culprit for a few steps.

"The individual in question has now been banned for life from attending Celtic matches, both home and away," said Lawwell.

"Celtic fans are some of the greatest supporters I know"
AC Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf

"Outwith this incident, the Celtic support last night was phenomenal and I would like to thank our fans once again for their wonderful backing.

"Our fans have a tremendous record of positive support for the club at home and abroad, something that has been recognised by both Uefa and Fifa and we are sure this will continue."

But Uefa is set to investigate an incident involving the fan, who Celtic stress was not a season-ticket holder, and could impose sanctions against the Scottish champions.

Uefa's director of communications, William Gaillard, told BBC Sport that it would wait for reports from the referee and match delegate before acting.

They should arrive at Uefa headquarters on Friday and Gaillard said any case would be referred to an independent disciplinary body.

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn hopes Uefa takes into account the "antics" of Dida before making a decision.

Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani said the club would not protest about the fan's actions and coach Carlo Ancelotti said he saw no reason for the result to be changed.

Galliani said: "It's a decision that I've agreed on with president Silvio Berlusconi."

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Phil McNulty - BBC Sport

And Milan midfielder Clarence Seedorf said the incident was unrepresentative of the club.

"Celtic fans are some of the greatest supporters I know," he said.

The incident at Celtic Park marred an otherwise successful night for Celtic, who avenged their last-16 defeat to the eventual champions last season.

In 2005 Dida, was hit by a flare thrown by Inter Milan fans during a Champions League quarter-final at the San Siro, forcing the tie to be abandoned.

Inter were subsequently thrown out of the competition and made to play their next four European games behind closed doors. Uefa also fined the club £132,000.



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Related to this story:

Celtic chief accuses keeper Dida (04 Oct 07 |  Europe )
Chick Young's view (04 Oct 07 |  Scotland )
Strachan hails Scottish revival (04 Oct 07 |  Celtic )
Celtic 2-1 AC Milan (03 Oct 07 |  Europe )
Champions League as it happened (03 Oct 07 |  Europe )
Champions League photos (03 Oct 07 |  Europe )
Milan game ended by crowd trouble (12 Apr 05 |  Europe )
Inter handed stadium ban and fine (15 Apr 05 |  Europe )

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