Celtic fined more for Palestine flags than penalty for racism in West Ham game

22 November 2023 , 10:32

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Celtic supporters hold Palestinian flags prior to the UEFA Champions League group E football match against Atletico Madrid.

Celtic have been fined €17,500 (£15,248) after their supporters staged a pro-Palestine display before last month’s Champions League defeat against Atletico Madrid, with the Scottish giants handed separate punishments totalling €11,500 by UEFA for lighting fireworks and blocking passageways.

The Green Brigade ultras group defied calls from the club not to show support for Palestine by waving flags and those supporters have subsequently been suspended from attending games at Celtic Park.

UEFA’s latest fine is €7,500 more than what Olympiacos must pay for the “racist behaviour” of supporters during their Europa League win over West Ham United, according to UEFA’s latest disciplinary report.

It is the third time already this season that Celtic have been penalised by the European governing body with the total now standing at €75,900. Following a pyrotechnic display in the loss away to Feyenoord, UEFA handed them a €23,400 fine and the home loss to Lazio led to a €23,500 punishment relating to an “offensive banner” and the lighting of fireworks.

Celtic travel to Rome to face the Serie A side next Tuesday and the club’s supporters liaison officer, John Paul Taylor, yesterday warned fans that all banners will need to be pre-approved beforehand.

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"We have been advised that flags, banners and drums require to be pre approved ahead of Tuesday's match,” Taylor wrote on X. “Fans wishing to take any of these items to the Stadium should send an image entitled 'Lazio Banner Request' to [email protected] no later than 5pm Thursday please."

In late October, the club released an 800-word statement in which they outlined the reasons for banning the Green Brigade “pending further review”. On top of the UEFA fines, Celtic accused fans of illegally entering the stadium before the Lazio game and rushing the turnstiles prior to an away match at Motherwell.

Celtic fans holding up Palestine flags (PA)

And to provide further clarification, a club spokesperson later added: “To avoid any misunderstanding, the progressive steps taken by the club over a period of time are as a result of an increasingly serious escalation in unacceptable behaviours and non-compliance with applicable regulations, at matches at Celtic Park and away grounds over a period of time, which are creating serious safety concerns and other issues.”

Celtic fans have also led pro-Palestine demonstrations during domestic fixtures since the war started by Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, including the away games against Hibernian and Hearts.

Alan Smith