Celtic Fan Hospitalized as Brawl Breaks Out with Serbian Hooligans ahead of Europa League Clash

A Celtic supporter has been hospitalised after being targeted by hooligans in Belgrade ahead of the Hoops' fixture against Red Star on Wednesday.

Celtic warned fans before their Europa League trip to Serbia that home strips should not be worn in and around the city amid fears of violence.

Supporters were also advised only to use transport arranged by the club to the Rajko Mitic Stadium, a notoriously hostile ground.

A group of Celtic fans wearing their team's colors was targeted by hooligans in the centre of the city on Tuesday evening, according to Serbian reports.

Footage of the incident shows overturned tables and chairs outside a cafe, with bottles reportedly 'flying in all directions'.

Local police rushed to the scene, but the perpetrators fled before their arrival.

Away fans have been advised to arrive at the Rajko Mitic Stadium before any of the Red Star supporters this evening.

The concerning incident in Belgrade on Tuesday comes amid tension surrounding European and international games in the city.

Serbia was hit with a partial stadium closure of 15 per cent last year after home fans were found to have engaged in racist behaviour during a victory against Andorra.

England’s Under 21s suffered ‘incessant’ racism during a game held in Krusevac, two hours south of Belgrade, 13 years ago. Danny Rose and Andros Townsend were among those to speak out about the ordeal, with several members of Serbia’s team and backroom staff handed bans.

UEFA has fined the Serbian FA more than £600,000 in the last five years for various transgressions, including discrimination from the stands against opposing teams.

The country’s FA released a statement appealing for fans to ‘create a positive atmosphere’ and ‘send a message to the world that will make us all proud’ ahead of England’s arrival earlier this month.

‘The national team is our pride, we have no other, and it deserves support befitting such important matches,’ the statement read.

We wish to emphasise the value and need for support that contributes to creating a positive atmosphere at the stadium.

‘Let us be united in our love for football, support our national team in the right way, and show respect for the opponent and their national anthem. Let the match against England be a celebration of sport and respect between rivals and nations.’