EUROPEAN football's governing body has slammed their Scottish counterparts as "reckless" after an official document claimed it viewed sectarian terms as part of the national game.

The UEFA report alleges the Scottish FA told Dutch giants Ajax terms such as 'Fenian' and 'Orange' were viewed as a "badge of honour" by half of Old Firm fans and it did not warn clubs about the use of such discriminatory language.

The claims emerged in the findings of disciplinary action taken against Ajax after its fans displayed a banner with the words ‘Fenian B*******’ when it last played Celtic in Amsterdam nearly two years ago.

The report has been published just days before both clubs meet again in the Europa League at the Amsterdam Arena.

But it has sparked fury within the corridors of Hampden, with the SFA insisting its only conversation with Ajax was to tell the club it would not provide any assistance in its disciplinary hearing.

One SFA senior source told The Evening Times it was "deeply unhappy" Ajax had made the claim and "disappointed" UEFA did not check the comments with Glasgow.

Ajax were fined £25,000 for the banner and ordered to close part of their stadium during a European game as punishment.

UEFA claimed that when preparing its defence over the use of the term 'Fenian' by its fans, Ajax had been told by the SFA's disciplinary services manager that half the Celtic support used the word "as a badge of honour while the other half might consider it unpleasant".

It added: "The Scottish FA did not consider the word 'Fenian' racist. It neither warned nor punished Celtic FC or Rangers FC for calling each other 'Orange B*******' and “Fenian B*******” respectively, since it considered such provocative words part of the game."

It continues: "The fact that the Scottish FA, for its own internal reasons, does not consider references to 'Fenian B*******' as an offence cannot prevent the UEFA disciplinary bodies from punishing such behaviour, since they are independent bodies.

"This argument, which therefore is clearly unfounded and even reckless, does not merit a more detailed assessment."

But while the SFA has confirmed it was approached by Ajax to provide a statement as part of their case, it has insisted none was provided.

A spokeswoman said: "The club was advised, in writing, that we would not provide any such statement. For the avoidance of doubt, the Scottish FA did not present the information outlined in the submissions and we are seeking clarification on this matter from UEFA."

A senior source added: "Even if such a banner was displayed at a Scottish ground it would be a matter for the SPFL. "UEFA operates strict liability. We don't. We agree with it but its our members who decide."

The report by UEFA's legal division includes details of evidence provided by anti-sectarian charity, whose campaign director Dave Scott told the panel that had the banner been displayed in Scotland it would have led to a prosecution, with Northern Ireland academic David Hassan describing it as deeply derogatory.

UEFA concluded Ajax supporters who displayed the banner had "acted in a discriminatory manner...since their provocative message is recognised as being offensive and discriminatory towards a group of persons on the grounds of religion and ethnic origin".

Mr Scott said: "UEFA have always been ahead of the Scottish game when it comes to tackling sectarianism and both Old Firm clubs have been fined for the behaviour of elements of their fan base at European matches.

"This ruling stands in stark contrast with continued inaction in Scotland and the blunt refusal of Scottish clubs to implement UEFA's ' Strict Liability' principles for tackling racism and sectarianism.

"Clubs and governing bodies need to accept their responsibilities for managing their own environment and the sooner that happens the sooner we can crack this problem once and for all."