UEFA Silent on Many Celtic Fans Show of Solidarity

Celtic’s Champions League fixtures against Atletico Madrid in October and November this year transcended the realm of football, echoing a resonant message of solidarity and support. In the heart of Celtic Park, a sea of Palestine flags unfurled, led by the influential Green Brigade, became a symbol of the supporters’ unwavering stance alongside the oppressed.

This act of expression comes six years after UEFA’s £10,000 fine on Celtic for a similar display. Yet, in a noteworthy turn, UEFA’s recent meetings on November 6th and 20th passed without a mention of Celtic. This omission, unexpected yet appropriate, underscores a crucial point: the act of holding a flag, a mere gesture of support in a football stadium, should not be a trigger for punitive action.

The silence from UEFA, therefore, might reflect an evolving understanding, a tacit acknowledgement that the beautiful game can indeed be a platform for peaceful expression. For Celtic, a club steeped in a history of cultural and social consciousness, this is a significant moment, one that aligns with the ethos of the club.

While UEFA’s current silence on the matter of Celtic’s display of Palestine flags is notable, it’s important to consider that this may be part of a broader, more cautious approach by the governing body.

While UEFA’s current silence on the matter of Celtic’s display of Palestine flags is notable, it’s important to consider that this may be part of a broader, more cautious approach by the governing body.

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CELTIC STRIKER AT CROSSROADS

JOHNNY KENNY is due to return to Celtic a week tomorrow when his loan deal at Shamrock Rovers expires.

The Republic of Ireland Under-21 striker cost the champions £125,000 when they signed him from Sligo Rovers in January 2022, but is still awaiting his first-team debut.

Kenny joined the Dublin outfit at the start of the year after a four-month stint at Queen’s Park. The hitman, who snubbed Hibs to move to the Hoops, is at the crossroads of his young career with boss Stephen Bradley, the League of Ireland side’s manager, eager to keep him for another campaign.

enny played for an hour when the team won their fourth successive title with a 2-0 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic last month, but admitted he is keen to try to impress Brendan Rodgers and can look to his friend Liam Scales for inspiration.

The 20-year-old forward said: “Stephen wants to keep me for next season, so we will see what comes of that. He reckons that’s best for my development, so we’ll just see what Celtic think.

“I think I want to go back, get as fit as possible, get training and, hopefully, impress the new manager. When I was there it was Ange [Postecoglou] and now Brendan is there, so I just want to get in and try to impress him.”

Kenny, who signed a five-year contract with the Parkhead club, continued: “I speak to Liam every day and he’s doing so well.

“He fully deserves the chance Brendan has given him.

“Ange let Liam go on loan to Aberdeen and he excelled there. He came back and probably thought he was going to go on loan again, but a few injuries gave him his opportunity. I think no-one is going to stop him at the moment.”

Kenny, speaking to The Independent last month, added: “When I went to Celtic, he was brilliant with me. I stayed in his apartment when I was at Queen’s Park, too.

“Seeing a player coming from Shamrock Rovers, where I am now, and in two years he’s playing in the Champions League for Celtic, it’s a dream.”

Now it’s Kenny’s turn to attempt to live the dream.