The Glasgow based Celtic Football Club has a fan group known for its passionate support of Palestinian causes. This connection has seen an influx of Celtic fans wearing Palestine football shirts. But what is the history of this rather special kind of unity? Now, it is high time to look at the reasons and discuss the importance of the Palestine football shirt in this regard.
Historical Roots of Celtic's Support for Palestine
Celtic's support for Palestine has deep historical and cultural roots:Celtic's support for Palestine has deep historical and cultural roots:
Irish Republican Connection: Most of the Celtic fans are of Irish descent and feel the connection with the fight against oppression, comparing the Irish and Palestinian situation.
Left-Wing Political Stance: Celtic’s fan base has been known to be politically liberal or left-leaning and the club supports causes deemed to be struggling against oppression.
The Palestine Football Shirt as a Symbol of Solidarity
The Palestine football shirt has become a powerful symbol of this support:The Palestine football shirt has become a powerful symbol of this support:
Visibility at Matches: Palestine flags and Palestine football shirts are waved and worn by the fans and are not shy to express themselves at Celtic games.
Fundraising Efforts: Palestine football kits have been sold in order to support Palestinian organizations which has also helped to cement the link.
Major Episodes in the History of the Celtic-Palestine Relationship
Several events have cemented the bond between Celtic fans and the Palestinian cause:Several events have cemented the bond between Celtic fans and the Palestinian cause:
2016 UEFA Clash: UEFA was to take action against Celtic as fans displayed Palestinian flags during a match against an Israeli team. This incident galvanized support.
Matching Fines with Donations: Celtic fans, after being fined by UEFA, collected over £176,000 for Palestinian charities and that is more than twice the amount of the fine.
The Function of the Palestine Football Shirt in Awareness
The Palestine football shirt has played a crucial role in raising awareness:The Palestine football shirt has played a crucial role in raising awareness:
Cultural Exchange: It has also created awareness of the Palestinian issues as people who never paid attention to it, or those who had little knowledge about it, have been prompted to do so because of the shirt.
Global Visibility: Palestine shirts worn by Celtic fans have attracted the attention of the international media which has helped the cause.
Controversy And Support
The Celtic fans' support for Palestine is not without controversy:
Political Debate: Critics of the protest claimed that the football should not be linked with politics while the supporters believed that it is a way to make a stand.
Club's Stance: This is a very delicate balancing act that Celtic FC has had to perform in order to support the fans while at the same time being compliant with the rules and regulations of UEFA.
Conclusion
The support of Celtic fans for Palestine, especially evidenced by the common use of the Palestine football shirt and flag is not only a social act but a historical, cultural and political one. It shows how football can go beyond the pitch and become a tool for showing support to the world’s causes.
