Celtic fans unveil ‘anti-fascist’ banner as Green Brigade send message to Lazio in Champions League clash

The Green Brigade have unveiled a banner declaring the club "anti-facist" before their clash with Lazio.

The giant banner featured an image of a previous banner displayed against the Serie A side when they clashed in the Europa League four years ago. On that occasion the Hoops beat Lazio 2-1 but there was controversy in Glasgow as visiting fans marched through the city while giving fascist salutes. A section of the Green Brigade unfurled a giant banner at Parkhead showing that night featuring the body of Benito Mussolini being hung from a garage in Milan with the message 'follow your leader' - which now features on the latest banner.

It was a hostile reception from the Celtic fans aside from the actions of the ultras group as the crowd chanted "F*** Lazio" before a ball was kicked in the Champions League showdown. Lazio have a controversial history after Mussolini was a reported fan of Lazio and players of the club have openly displayed fascist beliefs.

In their statement ahead of the game, the Green Brigade urged fans to make it a "hostile environment for Lazio and their extreme-right hordes" and the home crowd appeared to get the memo. However, the banner comes after the fan group stated there be no tifos for Celtic's Champions League matches this term.

Last season, they were not permitted to unveil tifos at their home Champions League matches. They claim it as being done as a punishment due to ongoing issues with Police Scotland.

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