Green Brigade urge Celtic fans to join Palestine flag display

The Green Brigade have released a statement urging Celtic supporters to display Palestine flags at Parkhead for the match against Atletico Madrid – despite the club condemning a recent display.

The fan group have called on supporters to show support for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel.

Now, the Green Brigade has called on fans to display Palestine flags during the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid on October 25.

It comes despite a Celtic club statement distancing the club from the previous display of support for Palestine at Parkhead.

It had stated: “We condemn the display of such messages at Celtic Park.”

However, the Green Brigade is urging fans to defy possible obstruction over the planned ‘Fly the flag for Palestine’ display. A statement read: “Please be courageous in any such attempt.”

The Green Brigade statement in full reads:  “As the genocide of Palestinians accelerates, we once again call on the Celtic support to proudly stand up for the people of Palestine.

“On 25th October v Atletico Madrid, we encourage all fans to fly the national flag of Palestine.

“This small act of solidarity carries significant meaning to those who are currently subject to indiscriminate bombing and unimaginable suffering because it lets them know they are not alone.

“We are asking the Celtic support to remain true to the founding ethos of the club and to stand on the side of the oppressed.

“If you are unable to obtain a flag, we would like to encourage people to print the flag on paper or card.

“Sadly, it is possible that there may be obstruction against this perfectly legal and entirely justified act of basic humanitarian solidarity. Please be courageous in the face of any such attempt.”

A Celtic statement on a previous display read: “Banners displayed in a section of Celtic Park prior to Saturday’s game do not represent the views of Celtic Football Club and we disassociate ourselves from them. We condemn the display of such messages at Celtic Park.

“Celtic is a football club and not a political organisation. One of our core values from inception is to be open to all regardless of race, colour, politics or creed. That is why the Club has always made clear that political messages and banners are not welcome at Celtic Park, or any match involving Celtic. At a time of loss and suffering for many, it is entirely inappropriate for any group of individuals to use Celtic Park as a vehicle for such messages.

“We call on all supporters, regardless of their personal views, to unite in backing our players and the club while respecting the rights and beliefs of others; particularly those whose lives are affected by violence and hatred.”