Prior incidents of a similar nature have resulted in fines for the club. Fans distributed flags around the stadium under Green Brigade supervision.
The Display of Palestinian Flags
Thousands of Celtic supporters displayed Palestinian flags before a match, despite the club’s request to refrain from such conduct.
A Flag-Themed Exhibition
Wednesday evening witnessed a flag-themed exhibition in the lower half of the standing section, accompanied by tens of thousands of smaller flags dispersed across the pitch.
Additionally, a dozen enormous flags were raised before the commencement of the Champions League match between Atletico Madrid and Celtic.
UEFA’s Likely Disciplinary Action
UEFA is likely to take disciplinary action against Celtic at this time; the club was previously fined £9,000 in 2016 for supporters hoisting Palestinian flags during its 5-2 victory over Hapoel Be’er Sheva of Israel.
The Green Brigade urged Celtic fans to “courageously fly the flag for Palestine” amid the Middle East crisis.
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However, the Scottish team had warned spectators before the match against displaying “banners, flags, and symbols” associated with the conflict.
“In recent weeks, we have witnessed death, violence, and destruction in the Holy Land, with thousands of people—men, women, and children—being injured, displaced, and killed,” Celtic said in a statement.
The club prayed for humanitarian aid and peace in the region, as recent events affected many fans and staff.
The statement continued, “Sport can promote peace and demonstrate humanity and compassion for all who continue to suffer against this backdrop of conflict and suffering.”
As a “show of respect and support for all those impacted by the conflict,” Celtic players and coaches wore black armbands. The club contributed to the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Support and Controversy
Celtic emphasized its intention to be “open to all” despite the statement’s acknowledgment that individual opinions are valid.
The Green Brigade, whose away tickets were cancelled after recent events, reported flags outside the stadium.
The group stated, “We respect the freedom and right of all fans who choose not to participate in such an action; however, we request that the same freedom and respect be extended to all fans who do.”
Following the 2016 fine, the Green Brigade executed an online campaign that generated £130,000. The funds were designated for medical assistance for Palestinians and the establishment of a football academy in Bethlehem, which would be named Celtic.
Celtic hasn’t won a Champions League match in almost six years since last night’s 2-2 draw with Atletico Madrid.
Following the game, manager Brendan Rodgers declined to comment on the pro-Palestine display at a news conference.
His sole focus is on football, he informed the press.
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