The Ulster Unionist Party’s Sports spokesperson, Andy Allen MLA, has condemned the display of banners supporting IRA terrorism at last night’s Champions League Qualifying match between Celtic and Linfield in Glasgow.
Andy Allen said:
“I was absolutely sickened by some of the banners displayed by Celtic supporters at Parkhead on Wednesday night, at the game between Celtic and Linfield.
“Two in particular were nothing short of glorification of terror. One showed a masked IRA man and the other was a parody of the old ‘sniper at work’ sign which the IRA erected throughout South Armagh.
“These banners were displayed in a section of Parkhead occupied by the so-called ‘Green Brigade’, a Celtic fan group. This is not the first time their displays have been provocative and offensive. Indeed, in 2013 they caused Celtic to be fined by UEFA for a display that included depictions of Bobby Sands and William Wallace.
“The Scottish FA and UEFA must take action and Celtic FC needs to root these people out. Terrorist displays have no place in any football ground and Celtic should not tolerate this type of behaviour. Decent Celtic fans will be absolutely sickened and appalled by these incidents.
“Questions must also be asked of the policing and stewarding arrangements at Wednesday night’s game. Were these huge banners and their content not checked prior to their admission to the stadium? And did the Police not realise the banners were glorifying terrorism?
“Last night brought shame to Celtic FC and Scottish football.”