Palestinian flags expected to be displayed at Celtic match despite ban

In a statement, David Faulds, editor of the Celtic Star fan site, said, "There is a match tonight at Celtic Park where Celtic will play St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership. There will be approximately 59,800 fans at the match. However, the area where the Green Brigade is usually located in the stands will be empty."

Stating that Palestinian flags will be displayed at the match despite the club banning fans belonging to the pro-Palestine "Green Brigade" group from attending home games, Faulds commented, "However, I expect to see many Palestinian flags waving at Celtic Park this evening."

Faulds stated, "The club asked for Palestinian flags not to be displayed during last week's UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid, fearing that the club would receive another fine from UEFA."

Noting that he spoke with Celtic Club officials yesterday, Faulds said, "I challenged them on the issue of the Palestinian flag. Celtic insisted that the waving of Palestinian flags was not a reason for the ban on the fan group. But the Green Brigade says otherwise."

Celtic FC has banned fans belonging to the pro-Palestine "Green Brigade" group from attending home matches. It was noted that the club had sent an email to members of the fan group informing season ticket holders that they were banned from attending home games.

It was emphasized that the decision came after fans displayed Palestinian flags in the stands during the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. It was stated that the club had previously been fined twice due to demonstrations by "Green Brigade" members and that it feared further disciplinary action from UEFA.

News Source: 12punto