A major fine by the UEFA expected to be levied against Scottish football powerhouse Celtic F.C., after a group of fans publicly displayed Palestinian flags during a playoff match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.
Celtic fans, however, aren’t backing down, and have insisted that they will “match the fine for Palestine,” raising nearly $100,000, and promising to donate the money to Palestinian charities.
Celtic fans flew thousands of the flags at last week’s match in Glasgow’s Celtic Park as a “show of solidarity” with Palestinians living under Israeli occupation, as they played the first leg of a series against the team from southern Israel.
This was not the first time Celtic showed interest in the cause of Palestinian independence, however, as fans have in the past flown Palestinian flags at certain games, including those not involving an Israeli team. In 2014 the UEFA fined Celtic some $20,000 for allowing fans to display an “illicit banner” i.e. the Palestinian flag, during a game against an Icelandic team. That incident was during the 2014 Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The second leg of the playoff is Tuesday in Israel. Israeli police have warned they have “zero tolerance” for Scottish fans with Palestinian flags, and have vowed to jail anyone who attempts to display such a flag during the match. Celtic is leading 5-2 after dominating the home leg of the playoff.
Can we import these fans into the US to show what a real ‘Backbone’ looks like?
I have been a Celtic fan since at least 2000, thanks to a Scottish co-worker at the time who was an even bigger fan. I have a couple of their old jerseys.
These fans have a great heart.
Its not as if the Palestinian flag has a similar significance to the Swastika flag.
Europeans, as well as the rest of the world are quite cognizant of the every day atrocities, as well as crimes against humanity, committed by Israelis not only against Palestinians but also against black Africans refugees “residing” in Israel. It is in the U.S. that this awareness is a complete void.
I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Mangum, U.S. fans should show some backbone in support of those who suffer under Israeli hegemony.
Finally, just like South Africa, Israel should not be permitted to play in international football (soccer) events. Another double standard in favor of Israel.
Steven R. Baldari