This is a bond that can’t be broken.
Celtic fans are strong. They are defiant. They are relentless.
When they held aloft Palestinian flags in Parkhead during their Champions League clash with Israeli opposition Hapoel Be’er Sheva last Wednesday, it wasn’t a token gesture. It wasn’t a gimmick.
It was a symbol of solidarity and support that was felt right throughout the world.
So, whilst UEFA might have deemed the powerful message worthy of a fine and disciplinary action, whilst they might have deemed a nation’s flag as an “illicit banner”, Celtic fans won’t go quietly into the night.
For every penny the football governing body decides to fine the club in response to those actions, the Hoops’ support are going to give a penny more to Palestinian charities.
That was the scene at 11.30am on Tuesday morning on the Green Brigade’s GoFundMe page.
And the Ultra fans of Celtic Park have hit out at UEFA’s fine.
“In response to this petty and politically partisan act by European football’s governing body, we are determined to make a positive contribution to the game and today launch a campaign to #matchthefineforpalestine.
“We aim to raise £75,000 which will be split equally between Medical Aid Palestine (MAP) and the Lajee Centre, a Palestinian cultural centre in Aida Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Bethlehem. From our members’ experiences as volunteers in Palestine we know the huge importance of both organisations’ work and have developed close contacts with them.
“Funds raised will provide a much needed boost to this fantastic project and will allow the Lajee Centre to extend its arts, dance and football programmes. As a token of their appreciation, the Centre have committed to setting up and sustaining the camp’s first ever football club and to name it Aida Celtic.”
Celtic. More than just a football club.
The latest GAA Hour football podcast features Colm Parkinson, Senan Connell, Andy Moran and Paul Galvin. Subscribe here on iTunes.
