Thousands 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 colours of the Palestine flag was evident within the decrease half of the standing part effectively earlier than kick-off and about two dozen sizable flags had been flown within the adjoining part earlier than the groups emerged.
Thousands of smaller flags had been seen in a sea of flags across the floor when the groups got here out.
The shows will inevitably result in UEFA disciplinary motion towards Celtic, given the European governing physique has already fined the membership for followers flying Palestine flags on earlier events.
The membership issued a plea to supporters earlier on Wednesday after the Green Brigade followers’ group inspired supporters to “courageously fly the flag for Palestine” amid the escalation of the battle within the Middle East that has claimed 1000’s of lives.
“We have witnessed death, violence and destruction in the Holy Land in recent weeks, with thousands of people – men, women and children – killed, injured and displaced,” learn Celtic’s assertion.
“We are witnessing a tragedy of horrendous scale. As it continues, everybody at Celtic prays for all who’ve been affected.”
“We additionally hope and pray for peace and for humanitarian help to succeed in those that are in want and in worry. Many of our colleagues, supporters, pals and households have been affected by these occasions.”
“Against this backdrop of conflict and pain, sport can promote peace and demonstrate humanity and empathy for all who continue to suffer.”
Celtic added that gamers and coaches would put on black armbands as a “show of respect and support for all those affected by the conflict” and the membership would make a contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross to “support people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region.”
The assertion added: “The membership acknowledges 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 where we come to support our football club. Recognizing this, respecting the gravity of the tragedy unfolding and its impact on communities in Scotland and across the world, and in line with other clubs, leagues and associations, we ask that banners, flags and symbols relating to the conflict and those countries involved in it are not displayed at Celtic Park at this time.”
The Green 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 1000’s of flags exterior the stadium.
“While it would be easier to distribute flags inside, we are prohibited from bringing the flags into the stadium,” an announcement learn.
“We respect the right of all fans who wish not to participate in such an action, however equally we ask that the same respect and freedom is afforded to all fans who do.”
In 2016, the Green Brigade raised greater than 130,000 kilos ($159,000) in a web-based fundraising marketing campaign after Celtic had been fined practically 9,000 kilos by UEFA because of followers flying Palestine flags throughout their 5-2 Champions League victory towards Israel’s Hapoel Be’er Sheva in Glasgow.
The cash went to medical support for Palestinians and tasks within the Aida refugee camp in Bethlehem, the place a soccer academy was arrange bearing the title of Celtic.
Source: www.dailysabah.com