UEFA fines Celtic ?15,000 for pro-IRA songs

NYON, Switzerland (AP) -UEFA has fined Scottish club Celtic ?15,000 ($19,877) after its supporters sang Irish political songs during a Nov.3 Europa League match against Rennes.

UEFA's control and disciplinary panel fined the Glasgow club after the body's match delegate was informed of what it called "illicit chanting'' by a Scottish police official.

Celtic was fined over pro-Irish Republican Army songs. Celtic traditionally draws support from Catholics and those in favor of Irish independence.

The club escaped punishment from the Scottish Premier League following an investigation into the singing of the same songs by a section of the club's fans in October.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell used October's annual club meeting to ask fans to stop the songs.