Liel Abada 'actions' caused Celtic to ban Green Brigade claims Israel teammate amid Palestine support

Israel legend Eran Zahawi has lauded Celtic star Liel Abada and declared that the Parkhead board banned the Green Brigade BECAUSE of the winger.

The club issued a ban to the Celtic ultras groups after "repeated incidents of unacceptable conduct" - and Maccabi Tel Aviv captain and Abada's former international teammate Zahawi claims that Abada was involved in the firm action following talks with the club. Abada is currently sidelined and expected to be out for another couple of months after picking up a thigh injury on international duty in September.

The 22-year-old reportedly held meetings with the Parkhead board over the since-banned Green Brigade's banners and chants about the Middle East conflict as they showed support for Palestine. Zahawi heaped praise on Abada, with Celtic punters remaining steadfast in the support of the current plight of the people of Gaza from a humanitarian standpoint.

The former PSV Eindhoven striker said: "I think the national team players abroad are doing an excellent job. In the case of Liel Abada, you see that his club revoked season tickets to people who supported Hamas and that's solely because of Liel's actions.

"Manor Solomon (at Spurs) has done an excellent job in advocacy too. Everyone has done something and it's good they have used their influence because it exerts pressure and does good things.

"For me, everyone has sent messages of support whether it be Brazilians, Mexicans, Italians, Germans, Dutch...and it was really amazing. I think in the end it's our strength that is heard and we have to use it and do as much with it as possible."