You will never walk alone
Celtic supporters have taken a bold stance in advocating for Palestine during their recent Champions League away match against Borussia Dortmund in Germany on October 1. Despite stringent police regulations, fans prominently displayed Palestinian flags and illuminated green torches at the match’s outset. Many supporters donned t-shirts with the slogan “Free Palestine,” underscoring their commitment to the cause.
On the same day, video footage emerged showing German police detaining a Celtic fan holding a Palestinian flag, forcibly restraining him at the stadium entrance. Reports indicate that Celtic supporters effectively strategized to breach police barriers, successfully bringing Palestinian flags into the venue.
This display of solidarity is part of a longstanding tradition among Celtic fans, particularly the Green Brigade, known for their leftist ideology and vocal support for Palestinians in light of Israeli actions.
Celtic Football Club holds a significant cultural identity, representing the Irish community in Glasgow, Scotland. Historian Dr. Martin Mitchell, author of *The Irish in the West of Scotland 1797-1848,* provides insight into the Irish immigrant experience in Scotland. He notes, “The Irish began arriving in Scotland in the early ninth century, and by 1841, the population had reached 126,000. Approximately 75 percent of these individuals settled in the western regions, primarily engaged in the manufacturing sector.”
The Great Famine of 1845-1852 had a profound impact on this demographic, with many refugees fleeing to Scotland. Dr. Mitchell explains, “Refugees escaping the famine in Ireland began arriving in Scotland in late 1846, and by 1851, over 80,000 Irish had established themselves in the country. A majority of these impoverished individuals landed in Glasgow, with more than 50,000 arriving in the city alone in 1847.”
However, the challenges faced by Irish immigrants were immense, as disease and poverty ravaged their communities. Thousands succumbed to typhus, and many endured harsh living conditions for extended periods.
These Irish immigrants came from a nation that had endured British colonial rule for nearly 700 years, with the Great Famine of 1845-1852, known as “An Gorta Mor,” representing one of the most harrowing episodes of this colonial oppression.
In this context, the support for Palestine among Celtic fans is not merely a political statement but a reflection of their historical struggle against oppression and a call for solidarity with those facing similar challenges today.
