Israeli Cops : Fans Flying Palestinian Flags in Champions League Tie to Face Arrest

Beersheba, 18 Dzulqa’dah 1437/21 August 2016 (MINA) – Israeli police Saturday warned Celtic fans they’ll take a zero-tolerance approach if Palestinian flags are waved during this week’s Champions League qualifier.

Supporters have been told they face arrest if they try to repeat the demonstration staged at Parkhead on Wednesday, dailyrecord.co.uk. reported.

European football’s governing body UEFA opened disciplinary proceedings against the club on Friday after fans displayed flags in support of Palestine during the home leg of the tie against Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Police say Celtic fans travelling to Beersheba for the return clash will be searched for pro-Palestine banners before they enter the ground.

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Fans caught with the national flag of Palestine in Hapoel’s Turner stadium will have them confiscated and face arrest for provoking rival fans.

A security summit is being held tomorrow to detail the policing plan for the game.

Israeli police spokesman Chief Inspector Micky Rosenfeld said: “Obviously it won’t be allowed – that is for sure. The flags would of course be taken off them.

“This is a professional football game and not a political opportunity”.

“It is not illegal to have a Palestinian flag in Israel but provocation by fans of either side is and we will not tolerate it.”

Police have confiscated Palestinian flags in the past to prevent violence when they have been waved at games involving local Arab and Israeli teams

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Protesters say Beersheba is built on occupied Palestinian land.

Around 100 Palestine flags were displayed during Celtic’s 5-2 first-leg win on Wednesday. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)