Celtic given UEFA fine for displaying Palestine flags

Celtic have been fined €17,500 after their fans waved Palestinian flags during their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid last month in Glasgow.

The flags, which numbered in the hundreds, were deemed to be "provocative messages of an offensive nature", UEFA said in a statement.

Fans, who had been warned by the club not to display flags before the 25 October game, could be heard singing 'You'll Never Walk Alone' while holding the Palestinian flags in a video shared widely on Instagram.

Supporters also unfurled two large banners at Celtic Park that read 'Free Palestine' and 'Victory to the Resistance'.

On 7 October 1,200 people were killed and 240 more taken hostage when Hamas fighters crossed the border with Israel. At least 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 5,600 children, in the subsequent war with Israel.

Celtic are fourth in Champions League Group E on one point after four games. They were also fined €11,500 for fans blocking passageways and using pyrotechnics.

Atletico were sanctioned for issues surrounding the 2-2 draw too. The Spanish club were fined €3,000 for the lighting of fireworks, while they received a warning for the "improper conduct of the team".

The Hoops - who have been at loggerheads with fans' group the Green Brigade recently, following a string of disputes and flashpoints - have told supporters travelling to Rome for next Tuesday's Champions League match against Lazio that all flags, banners and drums must be pre-approved by the Italian club.

Additional reporting: PA