Celtic fans break all rules and defy club to mark support for Palestine during Champions League game
It seems the Green Brigade just couldn't resist waving the Palestinian flag during a recent Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid. Despite the club's stern disapproval and a "please don't do it" message, they just couldn't resist, much to the displeasure of the powers that be.
What
The recent display of Palestinian flags by the Green Brigade, the Celtic supporters' group, during a Champions League game against Atletico Madrid has once again ignited a controversy surrounding political expressions within football.
Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland tonight has something it wishes to say. pic.twitter.com/EBFVd5AdVT
— Tory Fibs (@ToryFibs) October 25, 2023
This act of solidarity with Palestine came despite the club's strong condemnation and request for fans not to display any banners, flags, or symbols related to the Israel-Hamas conflict at Celtic Park.
Palestinian cause
This isn't the first time this dance has been performed.
Earlier, the club had warned its devoted fans to steer clear of anything related to the Israel-Hamas conflict in their displays at Celtic Park - a warning that might as well have been an invitation to the Green Brigade, who had previously gotten the boot from away games for their flag-waving shenanigans.
Celtic fans send a clear message 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/pc8XgnENL6
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) October 25, 2023
Champions League display
As the teams made their grand entrance onto the field, instead of a grand tifo or choreographed display, the Green Brigade proudly displayed the Palestinian flags. And they weren't alone; these flags started popping up like Scottish thistles in other parts of the stadium as well. All of this right before what turned out to be a thrilling 2-2 draw.
Celtic fans sing ‘YNWA’ with Palestine flags 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/MJWnt5yWHI
— EPL Bible (@EPLBible) October 25, 2023
In an attempt to acknowledge the ongoing conflict, Celtic had, in their defense, tried to strike a balance by having both sides wear black armbands as a gesture of support for all those affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, the club's strict "no political symbols" policy was quite clear.
I love Scotland! 🏴 🇵🇸
— sarah (@sahouraxo) October 25, 2023
Celtic fans defy UEFA’s ban, waving Palestinian flags at tonight’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.
pic.twitter.com/Cl5gkIJpTO
But the Green Brigade, never one to back down from a statement, decided to hand out flags to fans, ensuring they were front and center in the stands.
Fly the flag for Palestine
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) October 24, 2023
v Atletico Madrid, 25/10/23 pic.twitter.com/PxPMolfDzX
History of protest
Celtic fans' affiliation with the Palestinian cause has been long-standing, with supporters displaying the Palestinian national flag on multiple occasions, but now, this display has put Celtic in a precarious position, as they now face the possibility of fines from UEFA.
As Celtic fans who work closely with Palestinians and promote Celtic in Palestine, and around the world, we are deeply saddened by this update from @CelticFC
— Aida Celtic (@aida_celtic) October 25, 2023
There are many things wrong with this, the worst being that the national flag of Palestine is unwelcome in Celtic Park. pic.twitter.com/YWzdaeQify
- The club had previously been fined for a similar incident, as Celtic fans flew Palestinian flags before and during a game against Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva in August 2016, resulting in a fine of over £8,000 from UEFA.
- Celtic had also faced a fine of more than £13,000 from UEFA in October 2022 when fans displayed an offensive anti-monarchy banner against Shakhtar Donetsk just days after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The Green Brigade's unwavering belief in their right to express political views during football matches has been a constant source of tension between the supporters' group and the club. In a call to action, they had urged fans to
- Celtic's Israeli international player, Liel Abada, expressed his gratitude for the support of the fanbase amidst these contentious times. He acknowledged the complex emotions surrounding the ongoing conflict in his country.
- Brendan Rodgers, former Celtic manager, commented on the divisive subject, highlighting that football often transcends the sport and can serve as a platform for expressing deeply-held beliefs.
Scottish resistance
It's worth noting that Celtic is not the only Scottish football club to face punishments for fan-related rule-breaking.
In 2022, Rangers received a £4,400 fine from UEFA for actions by their supporters during Europa League group-stage ties, while Hearts were fined £10,500 for fan-related offenses when objects were thrown onto the pitch during their 2022 Europa Conference League match against Italian side Fiorentina.
The conflict between the Green Brigade's commitment to political expression and the club's directives highlights the complex relationship between football and political activism, which continues to be a contentious issue in the world of sports.