Celtic fan receives life ban

Celtic have imposed a lifetime ban on the supporter who struck AC Milan goalkeeper Dida at the end of their Champions League …

Celtic have imposed a lifetime ban on the supporter who struck AC Milan goalkeeper Dida at the end of their Champions League win at Parkhead.

The controversial incident following Scott McDonald's last-minute winner has overshadowed the 2-1 victory over the reigning European champions and Celtic are now likely to face a Uefa investigation.

In the mayhem that followed the late winner a fan ran on the pitch and clipped the Brazilian who, after initially giving chase, collapsed theatrically to the ground.  After a delay, he was taken off on a stretcher with an icepack held to his face.

A 27-year-old man today approached the club and was interviewed by staff before going to London Road police station.

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Police said the man is being held for an alleged breach of the peace and is expected to appear at Glasgow Sheriff Court tomorrow.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: "Clearly, Celtic take this issue extremely seriously and it is satisfying that this individual has been identified so swiftly.

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

Uefa will decide what action to take after receiving reports from referee Markus Merk and match delegate Andreas Akkelides.

Spokesman William Gaillard said: "One of our prosecutors will look at the document and decide whether to open an investigation.

"If he opens an investigation, it will be a week or two before the disciplinary body deals with the case.

"I don't want to presume anything. There is a whole range of possible punishments but of course there are precedents for the same kind of incidents."

Celtic chairman Brian Quinn urged Uefa to investigate the "antics" of Dida but he also condemned the supporter who ran onto the pitch.