Celtic and Liel Abada are set to part ways after two and a half years together due to the horrific abuse received from his homeland. The attacker has completed a medical with MLS side FC Charlotte ahead of a deal worth £11m.
Much has been made of the winger’s reasons for going and it is clear that the events from October 7th 2023 are the starting point for the player’s decision to depart the Scottish Champions after two successful seasons. The Israeli winger fought his way back from injury and returned to action in the December win against Rangers, where he received a standing ovation by a sell-out Celtic Park.
“The fans treated him disgustingly and left him no choice.”
The Celtic fans when Liel Abada returned from injury in December: https://t.co/jGLTXMR2gf pic.twitter.com/tkd4YBpaMO
— Josh McCafferty (@Joshmcc_05) March 5, 2024
The narrative in recent weeks is that Celtic fans have forced Abada from the club. This is nonsense. The only pressure that has been placed on Abada is coming from Israel, who are enraged by his continued association with Celtic.
It has no doubt been very tough for the 22-year-old to deal with the speculation and the added scrutiny towards him and his girlfriend. The Celtic supporters showing solidarity with Palestine has irked Israelis, who have targeted Abada on social media aligning him with the views held by some supporters.
Since arriving in the summer of 2021, Abada had been an excellent acquisition by Celtic. The Celtic manager dealt with the player in the best possible manner by getting an arm around him and convincing him that he will not face a backlash from fans over his nationality. This was true and the player is not leaving because of anything that Celtic have done.
In 106 appearances, Abada has assisted 21 times while netting on 29 occasions, winning five trophies along the way. The winger popped up with some huge goals during his time at the club and he leaves with the best wishes of everyone.
The same stories came out of Israel last season but yet Abada signed a new contract in September.
Good luck LIEL ,some of our fans behave like the HUNS from across the city
if he cant play for a club whose fans oppose genocide ,thats says a lot more about him
Best of luck to the guy – not a proud day for the so called ‘open to all’ Celtic support. I think fans of every club would oppose genocide. The fact that people over the world are assuming that the more extreme and politically minded views of the vocal element of the support represents all of us is such a shame. This is the same group that chant about hating the police and other institutions.
What is happening in the Middle East is awful for all involved. And should end as soon as it can be done. It is not a football matter.
I hope this young man goes on to enjoy his time in the US and is allowed to enjoy his football and his social life.
A few Sevco fans on here spouting their shite.
Yeah that’s a grown up response.
Good luck to Abada in the US. There was now way the lad could stay, why it has dragged on so long is anyone’s guess.
An unfortunate end to what must be a traumatic situation for Liel. It would appear hes been getting abuse from all angles. My concern here is the role of the Green Brigade but in particular eing seen by others outside the club as the voice of Celtic Football Club.
The views held by this political group are not in line with your typical Celtic supporter. When a player wears the hoops, regardless of colour, nationality or religion he is first and foremost a Celtic player and as such should never be made to feel isolated or unwelcome by any section of the Celtic support.
In waving their pro Palestinian flags during matches the Green Brigade have affected the “well being and mental health” of one of our own. Football and politics should never mix as this will always be the end result.
On a personal level I would not lose any sleep if the Green Brigade were permanently banned from the club..
As for Liel, its a sad day that he has no other option other than to leave Celtic. As a club we e lose a fantastic, dynamic young player who leaves us with only heartfelt gratitude and good memories. Good luck and you will be missed.