UEFA have threatened Shakhter Karagandy with disciplinary proceedings if they continue their pre-match ritual of slaughtering sheep.
Outraged animal rights group PETA wrote to UEFA president Michel Platini after the Kazakhs performed the ritual at the Astana Arena before last Tuesday’s 2-0 Champions League play-off first-leg win over Celtic.
Shakhter will not slaughter a sheep before tonight’s second leg at Celtic and European football’s governing body have made it clear that disciplinary proceedings will be launched if it happens again.
In a letter to executive director Yerden Khalilin, UEFA competitions chief Giorgio Marchetti said: “Certain practices may be culturally rooted, but they have no place in or around a sporting arena or event.
“Animal slaughter on a football pitch or in a stadium before, during or after a UEFA competition match — or with reference to a UEFA competition — is totally improper and will not be tolerated.
PETA director Mimi Bekhechi said: “We’re very grateful for UEFA’s swift and firm action.”
Shakhter boss Viktor Kumykov had suggested the sacrifice would be repeated tonight but a Celtic spokesman said: “They have no intention whatsoever of doing this.”
