Celtic fans unfurl giant banner at Champions League game urging: ‘Show “Israel” the red card’

Celtic fans unveil a banner reading 'Show Israel The Red Card' during the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg football match between Celtic and Bayern Munich at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland on February 12, 2025. The word 'Israel' is in quotation marks (ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)
Celtic fans unveil a banner reading 'Show Israel The Red Card' during the UEFA Champions League play-off first leg football match between Celtic and Bayern Munich at Celtic Park stadium in Glasgow, Scotland on February 12, 2025. The word 'Israel' is in quotation marks (ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)

Fans of Scottish soccer team Celtic raised a giant banner at last night’s game, urging to “Show ‘Israel’ the red card” in a call for the country to be banned from the sport, images from the game show.

Notably, the word “Israel” is in quotation marks and has been designed to look as if it is dripping in blood.

The team was eventually beaten 2-1 by Bayern Munich in the Champions League play-off round first leg.

According to the Kan public broadcaster, Celtic fans distributed leaflets calling for Israel to be excluded from sporting events.

Celtic fans are known for their anti-Israel sentiment, even though several Israeli players have played for the team in recent years.

Israeli forward Liel Abada left the team last year because of pressure from compatriots to cease playing for fans who regularly displayed banners reading “Free Palestine” and “Victory to the resistance.”

While Celtic fans regularly use symbols of Palestinian nationalism when cheering on their team, fans of their rival, Rangers FC, often respond by waving Israeli flags.

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