Celtic’s off-the-field troubles escalated last night in Italy when police arrested 40 fans in Bolgna

Police in Italy have charged over 40 Celtic fans following a clash with Bologna supporters last night, according to local reports.

Men dressed in black were seen in on-line footage fighting in the middle of the road, before one set of fans retreated back down the street.

Riot police wearing blue helmets movied in keep “Bologna Ultras” and Celtic apart near the Andrea Costa shopping centre.

A local news platform, Bologna Today, reported that 41 Scots, one Irishman, and five Italians were charged following the incident.

They are accused, to varying degrees, of “brawling and throwing dangerous materials during sporting events”.

A Scottish fan was also arrested for aggravated resisting a public officer and the police commissioner, Gaetano Bonaccorso, has already issued 41 mandatory expulsion orders to visiting fans and four banishment orders.

Local press report that riots broke out in the early afternoon, when a large group of Celtic supporters “contravened security regulations and ignored the routes established by the police headquarters” as they headed towards Via Andrea Costa.

It was further reported on-line that Celtic fans began “hurling provocative threats” as they approached Bar Dalla, a well-known meeting place for Bologna fans.

The report adds: “Within moments, words escalated into action, resulting in a brawl that involved the throwing of glass bottles and the use of leather belts.

“The intervention of the DIGOS (Special Operations Division) and the police units prevented the worst.

“The officers managed to separate the two sides and detain the troublemakers, escorting them to the police station for identification.”

It is understood that, although the rest of the evening passed without further incident, the situation remains under investigation by police and the Italian football authorities.

Police confirmed that “additional measures to ban access to away fans to sports facilities are being evaluated.”