Celtic clash with fans as ultras claim club blocking pro-Palestine display
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Celtic ultras, the Green Brigade, claim club executives are trying to block their plans for a pro-Palestine display after hitting the group with heavy restrictions for “bad behaviour”. Hoops chiefs have denied multiple members of the Green Brigade access to Wednesday night’s Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park.
The Green Brigade claim the club has enforced the ban in order to “quash political expression”. But according to the Daily Record, restrictions were put in place after a string of unsavoury actions from supporters in the section.
This includes members of the group reportedly breaking into Parkhead through fire doors during Celtic’s recent European tie with Lazio, and threatening behaviour towards club employees. Celtic chiefs have already been fined by UEFA for their fans setting off flares during a 2-0 loss against Feyenoord and they are expecting further sanctions after pro-Palestine banners were held up during their game against Lazio earlier this month.
In 2016, Celtic were fined £8,616 by UEFA after fans waved Palestine flags during their Champions League qualifier against Hapoel Be’er Sheva. In a recent statement released by the Green Brigade, the supporter group called for fans to be afforded the freedom to fly the Palestine flag during games.
“Currently, hundreds of fans are suspended from away matches due to an association with the Green Brigade; despite receiving no correspondence, no allegations, nor any detail regarding any investigatory process,” the statement began.
“The suspension was communicated to the Green Brigade on Friday afternoon ahead of the Hearts match on Sunday afternoon despite alleged concerns dating back four weeks. In addition to this, the Green Brigade face further restrictions at Celtic Park designed to impede on our support and use of our standard matchday materials.
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“We are determined to overcome these and provide full backing for the team as always. Despite disingenuous claims, we have absolutely no doubt that these sanctions are motivated by a desire to quash political expression within the Celtic support, specifically in relation to Palestine at this time.
“In spite of this, and any further obstruction, we once again encourage fans to courageously fly the flag for Palestine. For those unable to obtain a flag, the Green Brigade will distribute thousands of flags outside the stadium.
“While it would be easier to distribute flags inside, we are prohibited from bringing the flags into the stadium. 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.”
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