CELTIC bosses claimed their fans were provoked during violent clashes in Amsterdam as investigations into the disorder get under way.

Dutch police arrested 44 people, including 28 Scots, following the brawls which broke out in the lead up to Celtic's Champions League match against Ajax in ­Amsterdam on Wednesday.

As reported in the Evening Times, the violence began on Tuesday night after a bar in the Red Light district of Amsterdam, with around 50 Celtic fans inside, was targeted by a group of masked men.

Eight police officers were injured and one was knocked unconscious over the course of the clashes.

Celtic last night said they were investigating the treatment of their fans.

A statement on the website said: "We have been informed that there are five individuals detained in Holland.

"We are not clear if they have any formal association with the club, however, we will be liaising with the local authorities in Amsterdam, our own police and the ­British Consulate in order to fully understand events.

"There is no question that Celtic supporters have been subjected to a high degree of provocation."

A Celtic supporter, who ­attended the game, which saw Ajax win 1-0, described how the atmosphere in the city changed following the first bout of violence on Tuesday at the Old Sailor pub.

He said: "There was a real party atmosphere when fans first arrived in Amsterdam, the pubs were full and everyone was out for a good time.

"But then the whole atmosphere changed. There became a very visible police presence with large riot vans parked on almost every corner.

"On Wednesday fans were congregating in Dam Square and everyone was drinking a lot.

"A lot of police were wearing plain clothes and I think there was some misunderstanding and confusion as to what was going on."

A Dutch police spokesman said "bottles and sticks" were used in the attacks on Wednesday.

He said: "At the end of the afternoon, a large group of Celtic supporters attacked police officers in plain clothes."

Police Scotland said it was working with Dutch police and authorities.

The attack follows trouble last month when a group of Ajax fans ripped up and threw seats at police and home fans as the teams played in Glasgow.

Uefa opened disciplinary proceedings against the Dutch club after the clashes at Parkhead. A disciplinary case is to be heard on November 21.