Skip to content

Israeli police warn against provocation after Palestinian flags waved at Celtic

Russell Cheyne / Reuters

Israeli police want to ensure that football and politics are separated at Turner Stadium on Tuesday.

In conversation with the Daily Record, Mickey Rosenfeld, a spokesman for Israeli police, warned Celtic's supporters against flying Palestinian flags when the Hoops visit Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the second leg of their tie in the Champions League play-offs.

During Celtic's 5-2 victory in the first leg at Celtic Park, the Hoops' fans waved Palestinian flags and chanted support for Palestine, resulting in UEFA charging the Scottish club for an "illicit banner." In response, the Green Brigade, an ultras group for Celtic, raised over £100,000 on GoFundMe for Medical Aid Palestine and the Lajee Centre, a Palestinian cultural centre.

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

While it's not illegal to have a Palestinian flag in Israel, Rosenfeld made it clear that Israeli police won't stand for any provocation.

"Obviously it won't be allowed - that is for sure," Rosenfeld said, according to Harriet Sherwood of the Guardian.

"This is a professional football game and not a political opportunity. In terms of the football game, it's not going to add to the atmosphere and might start up tensions which could lead to other issues. Our aim is to prevent any incidents from taking place as a result of any unnecessary provocative behaviour by any of the fans.

"There will be security measures implemented to prevent those sorts of incidents from taking place. It is not illegal to have a Palestinian flag in Israel, but provocation by fans of either side is and we will not tolerate it."

About 250 supporters of Celtic are reportedly expected to attend Wednesday's fixture. The Hoops were fined roughly £16,000 in 2014, when a Palestinian flag was unveiled during the club's Champions League tie against Knattspyrnufelag Reykjavikur.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox