The fans of Celtic Football Club in Scotland, especially a robustly spirited group known as the Green Brigade, are putting on a determined display of support for the people of Palestine, despite facing criticism and disagreement from the club’s leadership.
During a recent match against Kilmarnock in Glasgow, the Green Brigade unveiled banners with messages like “Free Palestine” and “Victory to the resistance!!” Their show of solidarity comes at a time when the Gaza Strip, an area in Palestine, is experiencing significant conflict and attack from Israel. The fans, situated in the North Curve section of Celtic Park, also waved large Palestinian flags during the match, which their team won 3-1.
In a turn of events, the Celtic board issued a strong statement shortly after, emphasizing that “Celtic is a football club and not a political organisation,” and making it clear that they do not welcome political messages and banners at Celtic Park or any match involving Celtic.
Former Celtic player, Nir Bitton, an Israeli international, also criticized the fans on Instagram, accusing them of supporting a terrorist organization and being “brainwashed”.
Regardless, the Green Brigade, undeterred by the criticism and differing opinions, urged Celtic fans to again raise the Palestine flag in the club’s UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid on October 25. They relayed a message of solidarity with Palestine through a statement, condemning the acts against a “largely defenseless, imprisoned population.”
While Israel has been launching airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, following attacks from the Palestinian armed group Hamas, the casualty count has been rising on both sides, bringing global attention and concern to the conflict.
A point of contention arose when the fan group questioned the board’s stance on political messaging, noting that similar messaging to show solidarity with Ukraine had been welcomed at Celtic Park in the past. They pose a poignant question: “Why are Ukrainian lives more sacred than Palestinian lives?”
Celtic fans have a notable history of supporting Palestinians and have previously fundraised for organizations in the occupied territories. In contrast, their local rival, Rangers, has shown support for Israel, highlighting how football and political stances can intertwine and showcasing the sport’s potential role in shedding light on global issues. The Green Brigade, regardless of contrasting perspectives, continues to assert its unwavering support for the Palestinian people.
