‘You’ll never walk alone’: Celtic fans to Palestinians at UCL match
Their banners said, “Gaza, Jenin, Tulkarm, Nablus, you’ll never walk alone,” pledging support for all of Palestine.
This occurs in the midst of the Israeli-led conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of over 41,000 Palestinians. It also coincides with Israeli military raids on the towns and cities in the occupied West Bank, which occur virtually every day.Celtic FC’s Green Brigade has a well-established and vocal relationship with the Palestinian cause. The ultras group has frequently displayed solidarity with Palestine through banners, chants, and demonstrations during matches.
One of the most notable instances occurred in 2016 when the Green Brigade raised Palestinian flags during a UEFA Champions League qualifying match against an Israeli Hapoel Be’er Sheva team. This act of support for Palestine resulted in UEFA issuing a fine to Celtic for allegedly breaching regulations that prohibit political statements at games.The Green Brigade responded to the punishment by launching a fundraising effort named “Match the Fine for Palestine,” with the goal of raising the equivalent sum to be donated to Palestinian charitable organizations. The campaign raised a substantial amount of money, well in excess of its initial goal, for initiatives including football facilities and medical assistance in Palestinian communities.
The group’s initiative gave rise to the Aida Celtic football academy, which is situated in the Aida Refugee Camp near Beit Lahm, in the occupied West Bank.
At different matches, the Green Brigade has consistently shown its support for Palestinian rights by waving banners with phrases like “Free Palestine” or Palestinian flags.
In 2018, the Green Brigade held banners with the slogan “End genocide” during the 70th minute of the Scottish Cup Final on May 18, which marked the 70th anniversary of the Nakba (catastrophe). Put an end to Zionism.
The Green Brigade continued to function after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood began on October 7. That same day, during the game against Kilmarnock, Palestinian flags surrounded the players with banners reading “Free Palestine.” Triumph For The Opposition!
