Celtic Fans Raise £34,000 ‘For Palestine’ after UEFA Charge

Glasgow, 20 Dzulqa’dah 1437/23 August 2016 (MINA – Celtic fans have raised more than £34,000 for Palestinian charities after the club was charged by UEFA over a flag display during last week’s game with Israeli side Hapoel Beer Sheva, bbc.com reported.

Palestinian flags were waved around Celtic Park during the Champions League match on Wednesday night.

UEFA later charged the club over an “illicit banner” display.

Celtic fans have now launched a “#matchthefineforpalestine” campaign to raise funds for two charities.

In a Go Fund me page, Celtic fans state: “At the Champions League match with Hapoel Beer Sheva on 17 August 2016, the Green Brigade and fans throughout Celtic Park flew the flag for Palestine.

‘Act of solidarity’

“This act of solidarity has earned Celtic respect and acclaim throughout the world. It has also attracted a disciplinary charge from UEFA, which deems the Palestinian flag to be an ‘illicit banner’.

“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 £15,000 which will be split 50/50 between Medical Aid Palestine (MAP) and to the Lajee Centre, a Palestinian creative cultural children’s centre in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem.”

Celtic have been punished by UEFA eight times in five seasons for fan misconduct.

The club’s case will be heard on 22 September. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)