\n<\/p>\n
“I really hope football can be the beacon of change here. I wouldn’t want to get to the point where we go into a game of such magnitude and we can’t take our support base – I would be bitterly disappointed for any genuine Celtic supporter.”<\/p>\n
Rodgers pointed out that Celtic will state their case to Uefa in the hope of avoiding the ban.<\/p>\n
However, when asked if it would be a pity if the ban was imposed on thousands of fans because of one flare at Villa Park, he replied: “If it takes something like that, it has to change. <\/p>\n
“It’s been a series of events that have led to that. We can’t keep paying hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of fines.”<\/p>\n
Any further punishment will be determined by Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body – with an outcome unlikely until next week – and it is also likely to investigate banners and chanting from the match in Birmingham.<\/p>\n
Celtic said in a website statement: “The club will obviously make robust representations to Uefa and will make every effort to ensure that our fans can attend our next Champions League match.<\/p>\n
“However, clearly there is a risk that supporters may not be able to attend.<\/p>\n
“In light of this situation, it is incumbent on the club to make supporters aware of this risk when considering making arrangements for travel until further information is provided by Uefa.”<\/p>\n
The Scottish champions were already assured of a place in the play-off stage of the new Champions League format before their 4-2 defeat by Villa.<\/p>\n
Celtic were drawn against Bayern on Friday, with the second leg at Allianz Arena on 18 February (20:00 GMT) after a first leg in Glasgow the previous Wednesday.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n