In their last two games, Celtic supporters have raised banners in support of Palestine, and this midweek, it is anticipated that they will do so once more.
Martin O’Neill has asked Celtic supporters to refrain from flying Palestinian flags at upcoming games because of how “sensitive” the message is.
578 traveling Hoops supporters came up at Tynecastle on Sunday afternoon to play Hearts. The away section was decorated with Palestinian flags as a show of sympathy for those who have been harmed by the continuing situation in Gaza. The supporters were modest but noisy. Although it’s just the most recent act of isolation, in recent weeks there has been friction between supporters and the board.
Before the international break, in their previous home game against Kilmarnock, the Green Brigade raised a flag that said “Free Palestine.” Club executives denounced the move, “Victory to the resistance,” but the ultras group retaliated, accusing the organization of “hypocrisy” about weekly songs. Palestinian flags are scheduled to be flown during Wednesday’s match against Atletico Madrid; however, O’Neill and Simon Jordan have instructed Celtic supporters to keep their flags at home.
When asked if he would advise supporters to leave their flags at home, former Celtics manager O’Neill responded, “Yes, I would,” during a lunchtime interview on talkSPORT. At the end of the day, it’s like hearing a voice in the desert, but that’s my assessment. It’s quite delicate right now. But could you please stop? I doubt you will be able to.”
Jordan, who also frequently appears on the show, concurred with O’Neill, but he asserted that even with safeguards in place, fans will still find a way to post a message if necessary. Indeed, I would [avoid bringing in flags], he replied. It is up to them to choose whether or not something is considered cloth-eared.
“However, the idea of saying, ‘I don’t want that in the stadium,’ would then be backed by my staff telling me not to let it in and my stewards telling them to take it down if they spotted someone waving it.
“In the end, you would start to imply to the supporters that their flags will be confiscated at the entrance if they are detected bringing them into the stadium. However, people will smuggle them in if they so choose.
“I don’t see why flags have to be flown at football games. We are observing a football game. The LGBT community made an argument that I never understood, claiming that they wanted to travel to Qatar but were upset that they couldn’t fly an LGBT flag during a football game. You’re there to watch a football game, therefore I don’t see why you would be waving an LGBT flag at it.
“Although the geopolitical struggles are a major concern for everyone in the west and the globe at large, I don’t see why it would be necessary to bring a flag to a football game. It’s because that culture was shaped by football. The fact that football supporters are part of society and come from all backgrounds, nationalities, creeds, and cultures is undeniable, but the main takeaway from this is that, if you’re a Celtics fan, you’re going to a football game and you’re going to be waving a Palestinian flag.
“I don’t think that going to football games as a football fan should inevitably lead to this discourse. Football’s only possible reaction to it will be to declare, “We really prefer you.”
