Celtic chiefs have branded a recent Green Brigade display at Parkhead as "unacceptable" after revealing complaints were received from supporters and stakeholders.
A letter has been sent to members of the fan group after a display at Celtic Park last weekend called to "End the genocide - End Zionism" in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The full display read: "Think about these past few months. Oh will they say we've failed?
"30,000+ dead - 12,000= children. End the genocide - end Zionism."
The group had also urged supporters to join a tribute to those affected in the Israel-Palestine conflict by singing Grace ahead of kick-off.
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However, Celtic chiefs have insisted it is "unacceptable" for any group to suggest they are speaking on behalf of the club. The letter also stated the banner was in breach of the banner protocol and updated Rail Seating code of conduct.
It's stated Celtic will take the breaches and complaints received "very seriously" with the group urged to avoid further displays on the conflict.
The letter also noted issues at away matches with problems at the matches against Motherwell and Aberdeen cited by club chiefs.
The lengthy correspondence asked the fan group to "discourage" supporters without tickets attempting to gain access or "circumvent the safety and stewarding plans" at matches.
Celtic letter in full
Good afternoon.
With reference to the display in the front section of the Rail Seating Section at the home match against Kilmarnock on 17 February, it is noted that this a breach of the Club's Banner Protocol and the updated and agreed Rail Seating Code of Conduct.
Regrettably, the club have received a volume of complaints about the display from other Celtic supporters and stakeholders - in particular, in respect of:
the words "End Zionism"; and
certain aspects of the 'call to action' ahead of the match.
As has been discussed on many occasions, Celtic is a club that is open to all and consequently, we take these breaches of the agreed Code of Conduct and the complaints received very seriously.
The banners displayed do not represent the views of Celtic Football Club. Suggesting that the group speaks on behalf of the Club is unacceptable. It is entirely inappropriate for any group of individuals to seek to use Celtic and Celtic Park as a vehicle for such messages, particularly when many Club colleagues and supporters have been affected by these events.
The Club recognises that our supporters hold personal views on these matters. As a club open to all, we all belong at Celtic Park, and there is of course a range of views held by Celtic supporters. Celtic Park is a place where all colleagues and supporters should feel able to come to support our football club. Recognising this, respecting the gravity of the tragedy ongoing, we have requested in the past, and repeat that request, that there are no further such displays in breach of the agreed Code of Conduct and banner protocol.
On a similar note, with reference to Sunday's away match versus Motherwell on 25 February, regrettably certain behaviours in respect of individuals attempting to gain entry to the stadium without a valid match ticket returned (having also been prevalent at our recent away match versus Aberdeen). The Club has also received complaints from other supporters (and the host clubs themselves) who are being adversely affected by such behaviours and these are similarly taken very seriously.
Therefore the club again, asks that the group makes efforts to discourage any such supporters without tickets from attempting to gain access or circumvent the safety and stewarding plans.
Regards, Celtic Football Club.
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