Celtic supporters' group raises more than £100K for Palestinian charities

One of Celtic's hardcore supporters' groups has surpassed £100,000 in donations for two Palestinian charities, far exceeding its initial £15,000 goal in a bid to match UEFA's impending fine against the club.

European football's governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against Celtic last week after members of the Green Brigade displayed Palestinian flags during the first leg of the Champions League play-off against Israeli side Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

The fans - who are situated in Celtic's safe standing section - incurred a £15,000 fine against the club for making a similar statement in 2014.

But in just two days, they have managed to more than quintuple their target in a bid to match the impending charge. The funds will now be distributed between Medical Aid Palestine, which delivers health care to those "worst affected by conflict, occupation, and displacement," and the Lajee Centre, a cultural and sports project for children in a Bethlehem refugee camp.

That also includes funding for a children's football team in the Bethlehem youth league.

"At the Champions League match with Hapoel Be'er Sheva on 17 August 2016, the Green Brigade and fans throughout Celtic Park flew the flag for Palestine. This act of solidarity has earned Celtic respect and acclaim throughout the world," read a statement from the Green Brigade's website. "It has also attracted a disciplinary charge from UEFA, which deems the Palestinian flag to be an 'illicit banner.'

"In response to this petty and politically partisan act by European football's governing body, we are determined to make a positive contribution to the game and today launch a campaign to #matchthefineforpalestine."

Celtic will learn its fate at a UEFA hearing on Sept. 22.

Related - Rodgers: Celtic still has 'massive job' in Israel

The team has already landed in Israel for the second leg of the Champions League qualifier, with local police on high alert for any more political statements.

Israel Police foreign press spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told Agence France-Press that any flags at the Turner Stadium will be confiscated. About 250 Celtic fans are expected to attend the match.

"There'll be private security guards and Israeli police special patrol units who'll carry out security measures both before and after the game," said Rosenfeld.

Celtic currently holds a 5-2 lead on aggregate thanks to goals from Tom Rogic, Leigh Griffiths, Moussa Dembele, and Scott Brown.

- With files from Agence France-Presse