Celtic Football Club Bans Green Brigade Fan Group Over Political Displays and Unacceptable Behaviors
Celtic FC suspends season tickets of 250 Green Brigade members indefinitely citing history of 'unacceptable behaviours' while the fan group insists it's being punished for expressing solidarity with Palestine amid renewed Gaza conflict.
- The Green Brigade, a self-styled 'ultras' group of Celtic fans known for their vocal support on various issues, most notably their solidarity with Palestine, has been indefinitely banned from home and away matches following a history of 'unacceptable behaviors.'
- Celtic FC has suspended the season tickets of 250 Green Brigade members. The group is notorious for their politically charged banner displays and disruptive methods of expressing their views, such as using pyrotechnics, intimidating behavior towards stewards, and conducting unauthorized displays.
- The indefinite ban on the Green Brigade came after they defied the club's request not to bring Palestinian flags to matches, a move that Celtic FC clarified was due to a series of incidents at other games over an extended period, rather than the display of the Palestine flags alone.
- Not a newcomer to controversies, the Green Brigade has faced bans in the past for similar reasons. In 2013, Celtic FC temporarily closed the section of the football stadium home to the Green Brigade following repeated safety warnings that were ignored.
- In response to the ban, the Celtic Trust, which represents individuals and groups of Celtic shareholders, challenged the club's decision, claiming the withdrawal of season tickets is politically motivated and calling on the club to restore the season ticket rights to members of the Green Brigade immediately.