Celtic have taken down flags and banners in support of Palestine.
The club are claiming that supporters’ groups misused an opportunity to celebrate Scott Brown. Earlier today, we reported that the North Curve had shared a demonstration in support of Palestinian people. Conflicts in Gaza have reached a critical point, with the Guardian reporting that the UN are warning of a “full-scare war”.
In the past, Celtic have been fined by UEFA for part of the support’s pro-Palestinian demonstrations [ESPN]. In 2016, a display in a match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva led to the European governing body hit Celtic with a fee of £8,616.
With Scott Brown playing his last home match for Celtic tonight, fans had clearly been allowed in to decorate Celtic Park. However, with the situation in Gaza, the politically-active members of the support felt there was an opportunity to show solidarity.
Celtic, for their part, clearly disagree.
In a statement, the club said [Celtic FC]:
“We had invited supporters to pay tribute to our Club captain, Scott Brown, by giving them the opportunity to display their own banners in the stadium.
“Unfortunately a small group, which was given access in good faith, has attempted to exploit this opportunity, taken advantage of an occasion intended for our Club captain, Scott Brown, and used it for a different purpose.
“Clearly this is unacceptable and the display was immediately taken down by the Club.”
Celtic have long clashed with supporters on displays from the North Curve.
Apparently the change of leadership at the club will not change that.”The club had received praise on social media for allowing the display to go ahead tonight, but clearly that was premature.
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