Scotland’s Celtic football club shot to international acclaim when they displayed the Palestinian flag last week. In a protest against the Israeli occupation and violence, hundreds of the club’s fans flew Palestinian banners and colours during a game against the Israeli team HaPoel BeerSheba.
But the display has come at a steep cost. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) deems the flag flying a political display – and it’s slammed the club with a fine.
Organisers have called the response a “petty and partisan act”. They’ve also used it as a powerful opportunity to further their cause. The Green Brigade – a group of Celtic fans who combine football with politics – have launched a “Match the Fine for Palestine” campaign to donate the equivalent of the club’s fine to Palestinian charities.
Based on previous fines, they’ve estimated that the sum will stand at about £15,000. But they’ve already raised much more than that. After just 24 hours donations had topped £33,000 – and the number is growing by the hour.
In a statement on the Go Fund Me page, organisers say matching the fine for Palestine will “show the footballing establishment the true spirit of the game”. Celtic has a long history of radical politics, and the team has been demonstrating in solidarity with Palestine since the first Intifada began in 1987.
Organisers announced that money will be donated to two Palestinian charities . Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is an international NGO providing medical care for Palestinians both in and outside of historic Palestine. Lajee Centre, in Aida refugee camp, is a community centre that will receive funding to develop football programs for young Palestinians.
The centre, near Bethlehem in the West Bank, even made a video thanking the club for its support.
As the total raised continues to rise far beyond the original goal of £15,000 (over $19,500 USD) organisers say they may increase the amount further.
