Celtic fans pledge to match any Uefa fine for Palestinian flag display and donate proceeds to charity

Supporters have used the #matchthefineforpalestine Twitter hashtag to protest the decision

Celtic supporters have pledged to match any fine that Uefa imposes on the Scottish champions after a contingent of the crowd flew Palestinian flags during the Champions League play-off against Israeli side Hapoel Be’er Sheva last Wednesday.

The European football governing body notified the Glasgow club of a possible breach of their regulations following the 5-2 first-leg success five days ago. Protests by Celtic supporters have cost the club over £100,000 in fines in recent seasons and that figure is likely to rise.

A Uefa statement, which highlighted the use of “an illicit banner”, said: “Disciplinary proceedings have been opened following the Uefa Champions League play-offs, first leg, between Celtic FC and H. Beer-Sheva FC (5-2) played on 17 August in Glasgow (Scotland).”

Supporters have taken to Twitter, using the #matchthefineforpalestine hashtag, to protest the decision and plan to donate the funds raised to charities linked with the conflict.

The Celtic squad travelled to Beersheba for the second-leg of the tie this week, played at the 16,126-capacity Turner Stadium, but it is not known if there are plans to repeat the feat in Israel.

Israeli police spokesman Chief Inspector Micky Rosenfeld said: “Obviously it won’t be allowed – that is for sure. The flags would of course be taken off them. This is a professional football game and not a political opportunity.

Palestine flags were visible in the crowd for the match against the Israeli side (Getty)

“In terms of the football game, it’s not going to add to the atmosphere and might start up tensions which could lead to other issues. Our aim is to prevent any incidents from taking place as a result of any unnecessary provocative behaviour by any of the fans.

“There will be security measures implemented to prevent those sorts of incidents from taking place. It is not illegal to have a Palestinian flag in Israel but provocation by fans of either side is and we will not tolerate it.”