Hundreds of Celtic followers flouted the membership and waved Palestinian flags earlier than their Champions League match with Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
A tifo show within the colors of the Palestine flag was evident within the decrease half of the standing part effectively earlier than kick-off and about two dozen sizeable flags have been flown within the adjoining part earlier than the groups emerged.
Hundreds of smaller flags have been evident across the floor when the groups got here out.
The shows will inevitably result in UEFA disciplinary motion in opposition to Celtic, given the European governing physique has already fined the membership for followers flying Palestine flags on earlier events.
Celtic followers maintain up Palestinian flags in assist of Palestinians amid the continuing Israeli attakcs on Gaza, earlier than the match, Oct. 25, 2023 (Reuters Picture)
The membership issued a plea to supporters earlier on Wednesday after the Inexperienced Brigade followers’ group inspired supporters to “courageously fly the flag for Palestine” amid the escalation of the battle within the Center East that has claimed hundreds of lives.
“We’ve witnessed demise, violence and destruction within the Holy Land in current weeks, with hundreds of individuals – males, ladies and youngsters – killed, injured and displaced,” learn Celtic’s assertion.
“We’re witnessing a tragedy of horrendous scale. Because it continues, everybody at Celtic prays for all who’ve been affected.”
“We additionally hope and pray for peace and for humanitarian assist to succeed in those that are in want and in concern. Lots of our colleagues, supporters, associates and households have been affected by these occasions.”
“Towards this backdrop of battle and ache, sport can promote peace and exhibit humanity and empathy for all who proceed to endure.”
Celtic added that gamers and coaches would put on black armbands as a “present of respect and assist for all these affected by the battle” and the membership would make a contribution to the Worldwide Committee of the Crimson Cross to “assist folks affected by the humanitarian disaster within the area.”
Celtic followers show Palestinian flags in assist of Palestinians amid the continuing Israeli attakcs on Gaza, earlier than the match, Oct. 25, 2023 (Reuters Picture)
The assertion added: “The membership recognises that our supporters maintain private views to which everyone seems to be entitled. As a membership open to all, all of us belong at Celtic Park.
“Celtic Park is the place we come to assist our soccer membership. Recognising this, respecting the gravity of the tragedy unfolding and its influence on communities in Scotland and internationally, and in step with different golf equipment, leagues and associations, we ask that banners, flags and symbols regarding the battle and people international locations concerned in it should not displayed at Celtic Park at the moment.”
The Inexperienced Brigade, which is presently suspended from getting away tickets by the membership, within the wake of incidents at Motherwell and Feyenoord, had earlier introduced plans to distribute hundreds of flags exterior the stadium.
“Whereas it will be simpler to distribute flags inside, we’re prohibited from bringing the flags into the stadium,” a press release learn.
“We respect the fitting of all followers who want to not take part in such an motion, nonetheless equally we ask that the identical respect and freedom is afforded to all followers who do.”
In 2016, the Inexperienced Brigade raised greater than £130,000 ($159,000) in a web-based fundraising marketing campaign after Celtic have been fined practically £9,000 by UEFA resulting from followers flying Palestine flags throughout their 5-2 Champions League victory in opposition to Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Glasgow.
The cash went to medical support for Palestinians and initiatives within the Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, the place a soccer academy was arrange bearing the title of Celtic.