Celtic has issued a statement in response to the Green Brigade banners.
Celtic issued a statement this evening regarding the Green Brigade’s banners at Saturday’s game against Kilmarnock, which highlighted their solidarity for the Palestinian struggle. “Free Palestine” and “Victory to the Resistance” banners were displayed, along with countless Palestine flags.
It’s fair to say that Celtic fans have had a mixed reaction to these banners, with many embracing the Green Brigade message and others claiming that it has no place at a football match.
That was the Green Brigade’s viewpoint, and for the second time, Celtic did not support it, as stated in today’s statement in reaction to the banners. The official Celtic FC website has made the following statement:
“Banners displayed in a section of Celtic Park prior to Saturday’s game do not represent the views of Celtic Football Club, and we reject them.” We strongly oppose the display of such ads at Celtic Park.
“Celtic is not a political organization; it is a football club.” Since our inception, one of our primary ideals has been to be open to everybody, regardless of race, color, politics, or creed. That is why the Club has always said unequivocally that political messages and banners are not permitted at Celtic Park or any Celtic match. It is completely improper for any group of people to utilize Celtic Park as a forum for such sentiments during a time of grief and suffering for many.
“We appeal to all fans,regardless of their personal beliefs, to come together in support of our players and the Club while respecting the rights and beliefs of others, especially those whose lives have been impacted by violence and hatred.”
