UEFA charge Linfield and Celtic after Champions League violence

Linfield and Celtic have both been charged after violent scenes at last week's Champions League match in Belfast, Uefa said on Monday.

The Irish Premiership champions have been charged after their fans threw objects on to the pitch and invaded the playing area at the end of the 2-0 defeat in the second-round first-leg qualifier.

Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths, who had a bottle thrown at him, has been charged with provoking spectators, while Celtic face an improper conduct charge for receiving five yellow cards.

The match had been identified as politically charged. Media reports said Griffiths tied a Celtic scarf around the Windsor Park goalpost and made a 5-1 gesture -- a reference to the predominantly Catholic side's win over Glasgow rivals Rangers, a Protestant club with close ties to Linfield.

Police in full riot gear, backed up with dogs, ended the Belfast game on the pitch keeping rival fans apart after several hundred Celtic fans obtained tickets despite the Scottish club's decision not to take up their allocation.

The disciplinary charges will be dealt with on July 20, the day after the teams meet in the return leg in Glasgow.