West News Wire: Following brutal Israeli attacks on Nablus this week, Celtic supporters expressed their support for Palestinians once more at a Champions League game on Tuesday.
Palestinian flags were waved by supporters at Celtic Park’s North Curve, and a large sign read: “Support Nablus! Liberate Palestine! “during Celtic’s Group F match against FC Shakhtar Donetsk of Ukraine.
It comes after violent Israeli operations last week in the occupied West Bank left six Palestinians dead, including a teenager.
“I’d want to thank Celtic FC’s supporters for their [solidarity] and support for Nablus. The Palestinian people are aware that they are not fighting oppression and injustice alone! “Husam Zumlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, tweeted.
Celtic’s support mostly comes from Scottish fans of Irish background who sympathise strongly with the Palestinian cause and see it as a reflection of their own struggle for a united Ireland.
Celtic ultras frequently show support for Palestinians at games, particularly European Champions League matches. This has resulted in fines from European football’s governing body UEFA.
In 2014, the club was fined $20,750 by UEFA after dozens of fans waved Palestinian flags at a game against Icelandic side KR Reykjavik after a devastating Israeli assault on Gaza which killed over 2,000 Palestinians.
