‘Oh we are saying is give peace a chance,’ John Lennon

Celtic today contacted every season ticket holder  to explain the club’s position on terrible situation that has unfolded in the Holy Land in recent weeks and have also made a significant donation – The Celtic Star understand this to be tens of thousands of pounds – to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region. And Celtic have also asked for supporters attending the game tonight not to display banners, flags and symbols relating to the conflict in the Holy Land.

Celtic have sent the following message to every season ticket holder ahead of this evening’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid at Celtic Park. And this message carries a request to the Celtic support NOT to display national flags or symbols relating to the current conflict and those countries involved at Celtic Park this evening.

“We ask that banners, flags and symbols relating to the conflict and those countries involved in it are not displayed at Celtic Park at this time,” Celtic FC.

The Celtic communique reads as follows:

“Thank you for your support. We have witnessed death, violence and destruction in the Holy Land in recent weeks, with thousands of people – men, women and children – killed, injured and displaced. We are witnessing a tragedy of horrendous scale. As it continues, everyone at Celtic prays for all who have been affected. We also hope and pray for peace, and for humanitarian support to reach those who are in need and in fear. Many of our colleagues, supporters, friends and families have been affected by these events.

“Against this backdrop of conflict and pain, sport can promote peace and demonstrate humanity and empathy for all who continue to suffer. For the Club’s UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid this evening, Celtic and Atletico Madrid players and coaching staff will wear black armbands, as a show of respect and support for all those affected by the conflict. The Club is also making a contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region.

“The Club recognises that our supporters hold personal views to which everyone is entitled. As a club open to all, we all belong at Celtic Park. Celtic Park is where we come to support our football club. Recognising this, respecting the gravity of the tragedy unfolding and its impact on communities in Scotland and across the world, and in line with other clubs, leagues and associations, we ask that banners, flags and symbols relating to the conflict and those countries involved in it are not displayed at Celtic Park at this time.

“As we approach this crucial fixture, as ever, we sincerely thank our fans for their positive support of the players and the team.

“We thank you very much for your continued support of Celtic Football Club.”

The Green Brigade are planning to distribute Palestine flags outside the ground this evening and in their own statement last night they ask for respect to be shown to those supporters who decide to hold aloft the flag of Palestine as well as those supporters who decide against participating in the  Green Brigade’s demonstration of support.

Each Celtic supporter will have their own choice to make and in this household when discussing the matter last night there was no consensus with full support for the Palestinian people but also no wish to do anything to harm our football club.  Many supporters may well be equally compromised by this and many could be swayed by the club’s message today but the chances of there being no flag display this evening would appear to be remote to say the least.