CELTIC have hit out at fans flying ‘unauthorised banners’ at Parkhead.
Police confirmed they were probing a recent display which honoured IRA terrorist Brendan ‘Bik’ McFarlane during a minute’s applause for ex-Hoops player Evan Williams.
Celtic fans have produced some eye-catching displays[/caption]
The Green Brigade displayed an anti-Israel message against Bayern Munich – risking Uefa action over political banners[/caption]
The display a week later sparked fury and a police probe – Hoops officials have now criticised recent ‘unauthorised’ displays[/caption]
An image of the convicted bomber and messages in English and Irish Gaelic were displayed in the Green Brigade’s corner of Celtic Park ahead of the match against Aberdeen last month.
The same area of ultras also displayed an anti-Israel tifo display and banner a week earlier in the Champions League play-off with Bayern Munich.
And Celtic have now addressed the issue of ‘unauthorised banners’ in a statement.
Hoops officials did not pinpoint the specific displays which defied their protocols but “share the concerns” made by some of the club’s own supporters.
They insist displays “should support the team, or otherwise celebrate Celtic, and be consistent with the terms of the Celtic Social Charter, Social Mission Statement” and admit some recent banners have not been submitted for pre-approval.
The Hoops are now reviewing their processes for future displays.
A statement, posted on the club website this evening, said: “Celtic Football Club shares the concerns communicated by our own supporters regarding the use of banners at recent matches.
“Celtic is an inclusive football club open to all, with no political agenda, as is clear from the Club’s Social Charter and Social Mission Statement, and no group of supporters, or any other organisation, speaks on behalf of Celtic.
“Everyone associated with Celtic recognises the important part that Celtic supporters play in inspiring the team and contributing to the Celtic spirit.
“Fan displays should support the team, or otherwise celebrate Celtic, and be consistent with the terms of the Celtic social charter, social mission statement and other terms that apply to all supporters’ enjoyment of Celtic.
“That is why the Club developed a protocol regarding the use of banners and organised displays at Celtic Park, or any other stadia where Celtic plays, requiring the pre-approval of fan displays.
“Although there have been many occasions on which the Club’s protocol has been followed with great success and support for the team and for Celtic, unfortunately, there have been instances in the past weeks where the protocol has not been followed, with unauthorised banners, which had not been submitted for pre-approval in line with the protocol, displayed at Celtic Park.
“The Club is reviewing these events and relevant processes.
“We have enjoyed a good season so far, and we want to achieve, together with our supporters, as much as we possibly can as we approach the latter part of the season.
“We thank our fans for their continuing support and collective understanding that Club protocols, and safety and competition regulations, must be adhered to in order to protect the Club and our fans, so that all Celtic supporters feel able to attend Celtic Park and all matches involving Celtic.”
The display ahead of kick off against Aberdeen sparked fury and read: “They said he was a rebel then. He’s a hero now.”
It followed the funeral of McFarlane in Belfast earlier that day.
Police later confirmed to the Scottish Sun that they had been alerted to the display and were investigating. A spokesperson said: “A complaint has been received which is being assessed by officers.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
