Celtic have banned the Green Brigade from attending matches amid escalating tensions with the group, which has waved flags in support of Palestine.
The club had stressed “political messages and banners” were not welcome after “Free Palestine” and “Victory to the resistance” flags were held aloft by the group. Palestinian flags were also unfurled before their 2-2 draw against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League after the Green Brigade warned it would defy the club’s stance on them.
Supporters doubled down against criticism from their own club by waving flags in the away end during the 4-1 win over Hearts on Oct 22.
Around 200 Green Brigade members based at the North Curve section of Celtic Park have now been told their season tickets have been suspended. There is no mention of Palestine in the statement from Celtic, which instead says the suspension is due to “repeated incidents of unacceptable behaviour”.
The brigade will be absent for Wednesday’s Premiership clash with St Mirren but the ban could be lifted if talks with the group’s leaders prove productive.
The ultras group traditionally organises a tifo - a choreographed display involving a large banner or image - but has been waving Palestinian flags instead recently.
Reports in Scotland say the action was taken by the club following fresh problems at Hibernian last weekend, when stewards were targeted with threats and intimidating behaviour.
Flashpoints in recent weeks have also included fans attempting to storm into Celtic Park for the Champions League clash against Lazio. There were also fireworks at Feyenoord and crowd trouble at Motherwell’s Fir Park.
After the club last week took action and banned the Green Brigade from access to tickets for future away games, a new email sent to members of the group reads: “We are writing to advise that due to repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct involving the ‘Green Brigade’ group, the club has suspended the season tickets of all season-ticket holders who have registered with the ticket office as being part of this group, pending further review and communication with the group and/or the supporters in question regarding compliance with the Ground Regulations, the Rail Seating Safety Code of Conduct, and club communications, moving forward.
“Therefore, your ticket is not eligible for use tomorrow night for our match against St Mirren and will remain suspended until further notice. Access to away tickets for supporters registered as being part of the group will also remain suspended. The safety of all supporters at Celtic Park is of paramount importance and amid these serious safety concerns, this immediate action whilst regrettable, is considered by the club to be necessary.
“We have separately emailed the representative of the group with further detail, following on from a number of formal written communications dating back to September and ongoing dialogue since the summer. Should you wish to contact the club on this or any other matter related to the Rail Seating Section, we would ask that you direct your correspondence in the first instance to [email protected].”
