Celtic face disciplinary action from UEFA after fans displayed a banner at Thursday night’s Europa League defeat to Braga accusing the governing body of being ‘complicit in genocide’.
Unfurled shortly before kick-off in the corner of the stadium housing the Green Brigade, it referenced the ongoing Israeli conflict in Gaza – and the fact that Israeli teams are still being allowed to compete in UEFA competition and World Cup qualifying despite calls for them to be banned.
The banner read: ‘UEFA is complicit in genocide by normalising Israel, kick them out now.’
Celtic fans have previously ignored direct requests from the club not to fly Palestinian flags inside the stadium.
UEFA take a dim view of any displays from fans they deem to be a political slogan, meaning that Celtic could now be hit with a hefty fine.
Celtic already have a one-match ban on away fans, suspended for two years, hanging over them at the moment.
Celtic fans displayed a banner criticising UEFA at the Europa League clash against Braga
Celtic’s board at the game against Braga… they now face more UEFA sanctions
That came after a massive pyro display ahead of the meeting with Borussia Dortmund in the league phase of the Champions League last year.
The banner display at Celtic Park protest followed a terror attack at a synagogue in Manchester on Thursday that left two people dead.
European football’s governing body are reportedly scheduling an extraordinary meeting of national associations to consider sanctions and address the worsening situation in Gaza.
A United Nations commission of inquiry report earlier this month concluded that Israel has committed genocide in its attacks on Gaza.
On Thursday, FIFA president Gianni Infantino appeared to resist calls for Israeli sides to be ejected from competitions, saying the purpose of football is ‘peace and unity’.
He said that the game ‘cannot solve geopolitical problems, but it can and must promote football around the world by harnessing its unifying, educational, cultural and humanitarian values’.
Celtic FC were approached for comment.
