5^thNovember 2023

We will not stand idly by
Official statement from the Committee of Celtic Supporters Club Norway

As a Celtic supporters’ club of over 30 years standing, we would like to publicly state our opposition to the recent absurd decision by the Celtic Board to suspend season tickets for the Green Brigade in the North Curve Area.

The Celtic Family has a long tradition of showing solidarity to the marginalized both at home and around the world. The cause of the people of Palestine is one that is close to our hearts. There are historical parallels between Ireland and Palestine - colonization, occupation, oppression and small nations fighting for liberation against a greater military power. It is a position the Board should be proud of.

There have been organized demonstrations of support for the people of the Ukraine and rightly so! Why is a similar show of solidarity with the people of Palestine being treated as some sort of criminal act. Why is the North Curve being targeted when the support for the Palestinian people was and is evident throughout the entire stadium?

We are currently witnessing genocide on our TV screens. Today UN Special Rapporteurs warned that time is running out to prevent genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. "We remain convinced that the Palestinian people are at grave risk of genocide, the time for action is now[1].”

We demand that, rather than punishing those who show support for the oppressed, the Celtic board joins the fans in showing support for the people of Palestine. This is not the time to stand idly by. In the words of Nobel Peace Prize winner Bishop Archbishop Desmond Tutu; "If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”

We join with other voices in demanding that the Green Brigade season tickets be reinstated immediately. As the immortal Jock Stein reminded us "Football without fans is nothing”. Solidarity with the Green Brigade! Solidarity with the oppressed people of the world, for a lasting peace and a Free Palestine.

Signed by The Committee