A scathing Green Brigade statement has slammed the Celtic board over “disingenuous claims” leading to away match bans for supporters amid the row over displays of support for Palestine.
Supporters previously showed support for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict with Israel, however, a Celtic statement distanced the club from the display and condemned messages of that nature being displayed at Parkhead.
The supporter group then blasted the statement before members of the Green Brigade were banned from attending away matches due to “very clear and extremely unsafe and unacceptable behaviour”.
Affected supporters were unable to attend the match away to Hearts at the weekend with the Green Brigade suggesting the row over Palestine displays played a part in the banning order.
Reports, however, claimed the ban has nothing to do with recent displays and instead comes after months of concern over behaviour at away matches.
The Green Brigade fan group has now released a statement blasting the “disingenuous claims” over the banning order and stating no detail over process or reason for the ban has been provided.
The statement shared on social media reads: “In 2016, Celtic fans faced pressure and intimidation before flying the flag for Palestine. In the aftermath, Peter Lawwell advised us that we were “finished” – it was only the widespread positive reaction and subsequent fundraising which deterred the Celtic Board from banning us.
“The legacy of those events is Aida Celtic, a project which we are deeply proud of, entrenches our connection with Palestine and epitomises the ethos of Celtic Football Club.
“Today, we are in familiar territory and already being sanctioned by the Board. Currently, hundreds of fans are suspended from away matches due to an association with the Green Brigade; despite receiving no correspondence, no allegations, nor any detail regarding any investigatory process.
“The suspension was communicated to the Green Brigade on Friday (27/10) afternoon ahead of the Hearts match on Sunday afternoon (29/10) despite alleged concerns dating back four weeks.
“In addition to this, the Green Brigade face further restrictions at Celtic Park designed to impede on our support and use of our standard matchday materials. We are determined to overcome these and provide full backing for the team as always.
“Despite disingenuous claims, we have absolutely no doubt that these sanctions are motivated by a desire to quash political expression within the Celtic support, specifically in relation to Palestine at this time.”
The group then called on supporters to join a display of support for Palestine during the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Green Brigade members intend to distribute flags for use inside the stadium from outside the ground ahead of the match for the ‘Fly the Flag’ display.
The statement added: “In spite of this, and any further obstruction, we once again encourage fans to courageously fly the flag for Palestine. For those unable to obtain a flag, the Green Brigade will distribute thousands of flags outside the stadium. While it would be easier to distribute flags inside, we are prohibited from bringing the flags into the stadium.
“We respect the right of all fans who wish not to participate in such an action, however equally we ask that the same respect and freedom is afforded to all fans who do.”
A Celtic statement on the recent ban read: “As the group in question has been informed in writing, this decision to suspend access to away tickets relates to very clear and extremely serious unsafe and unacceptable behaviour at recent away matches, including those against Feyenoord and Motherwell.
“As an example, at Feyenoord, widespread and unsafe use of pyrotechnics resulted in another fine for the club from Uefa.
“Investigations are ongoing in relation to unsafe behaviour at Motherwell, including rushing turnstiles and forcing open fire exits to permit access to individuals without tickets.”