A CELTIC star has hit back at "idiots" who subject him to abuse on social media because he is Israeli.
Midfielder Nir Bitton, 26, who has 19 caps for the Israeli national team criticised those who says he backs the death of children.
He wrote on Instagram: “I’m just tired of replying to idiots who insult me because I’m Israeli so I’m not gonna reply anymore.
Palestinian video thanks Celtic supporters for show of solidarity
“Just a shame for the people who insult me for such a thing like that.
“As a father if you guys think I support the death of children or any human being then you are nothing but idiots.
“I’m all up for the banter but not when you guys texting my wife’s Instagram.
“I’m getting abuse for a while so I just felt that I had to say that. Don’t mix football and politics, you are better than that. Love you all.”
Four years ago the footballer who also plays in defence, sparked fury by appearing to support Israel’s ongoing military offensive against Palestine.
The midfielder was accused of posted pro-Israeli propaganda on his Instagram account.
A copy of the Hebrew Prayer for members of the Israel Defence Force, which contains the line: “May Hashem (God) cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them.”
Celtic fined £8,615 by UEFA over supporters' Palestinian flags
It was quickly taken down, but not before copies had been made and circulated on various websites, including Twitter.
Earlier this month, he was told by one fan to quit Glasgow club after he had congratulated Israel’s successful Eurovision entry Netta Barzilai.
At the start of Celtic's Scottish Cup Final victory over Motherwell at the weekend fans demonstrated their support for the people of Palestine with a banner display. The green banner said: "Celtic stands with Palestine." Another said: "No Zionism."
A day earlier the UN human rights chief said Israel used "wholly disproportionate" force against Palestinian border protests which left over 100 people dead.
Israel's ambassador said Gaza's militant Islamist rulers had deliberately put people in harm's way.
As a Celtic Fan I am disgusted by the green brigade's "Free Palestine" "End Genocide" banners today at #Hampden The green brigade should educate themselves on the conflict, and realise the side that they are supporting are Terrorists - No value of life. #CELMOT #CelticFC #Celtic pic.twitter.com/fARzj1mXb3
— Jacob Minster (@jacobminster) May 19, 2018
More than 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces last Monday in the seventh consecutive week of border protests, largely orchestrated by Hamas, which politically controls the Gaza Strip.
It was the deadliest day in Gaza since a 2014 war between Israel and militants there.
Celtic supporters have a history of supporting the Palestine cause.
A flag display against the Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva in a 2016 Champions League qualifier brought the club a £8,600 fine from UEFA but a crowd funding campaign raised £176,000 for various charities in Palestine.
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