Celtic will be punished by UEFA after supporters unveiled Palestinian flags in the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

The governing body has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Scottish champions after fans flew the flags before and during the match against the champions of Israel at Celtic Park.

UEFA confirmed the charge on Friday, saying: "Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the UEFA Champions League play-offs, first leg, between Celtic FC and H. Beer-Sheva FC (5-2) played on 17 August in Glasgow (Scotland)."

The charge against Celtic is over the display of an illicit banner under Art. 16 (2) of the UEFA Disicplinary Regulations.

This case will be heard on 22 September, after matchday one of the Champions League group stage.

Celtic have said they will not make any further comment on the matter until this process is complete.

The charge is the eighth levelled at the club by European football's governing body in recent years for supporter misconduct.

A fine has been the sanction of choice by UEFA's control and disciplinary body in each case.

But there is the prospect Celtic could be hit with a partial stadium closure as a result of the actions of their fans, or even face a ban on supporters travelling to future European matches.

UEFA's policy is such that if disciplinary measures have to be imposed for offences of a similar nature within a five-year period, that is seen as an aggravating circumstance and increases the likelihood of a great punishment.

Celtic were fined after fans previously waved Palestinian flags during their 2014 Champions League qualifier against KR Reykjavik at Murrayfield.

In February this year, the club were forced to pay €13,000 over crowd trouble and "improper conduct" by the team during their Europa League match against Fenerbahce.

Speaking before the charge was issued, manager Brendan Rodgers spoke about the implications of a possible punishment.