With the rise of Daesh (the self-proclaimed Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant), uncertainties in Libya, instability in Yemen and insurrections and divisions across Syria and Iraq, the attention of Arab leaders has slipped from the issue and injustices facing the people of Palestine. But even if the issue has been pushed down the political agenda, it’s not going away for sure. Indeed, Palestinians themselves can take heart from the actions of the supporters of Celtic Football club. The Scottish side were drawn to play Israeli team Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the final qualifying round of Champions League. When the sides met in Glasgow, Celtic supporters waved scores of Palestinian flags as a show of support for those forced to live under Israeli occupation. That act resulted in Uefa, the Union of European Football Associations, sanctioning the Scottish club under a rule that prohibits the use of “gestures, words or objects to transmit a political cause”.
The club will know its fate on September 22, but will likely face a fine of £15,000 (Dh64,000). Celtic fans are passionate about football — and are passionate about the Palestinian cause, one that is aligned with their tradition of support for Irish nationalism and opposition to British rule over Northern Ireland. Similarly, Glasgow Rangers are equally passionate about their support for Northern Ireland unionists — a group that aligns itself behind Israeli flag — who favour Northern Ireland ties with the United Kingdom. Not willing to accept Uefa’s punishment, Celtic fans began an appeal that has raised more than £100,000, which will be distributed to four Palestinian charities. But this issue isn’t simply about football rivalries. It’s about justice and equality — issues officials at Uefa are unwilling to address as it shows their hypocrisy and total lack of touch with political realities.
Let’s be clear: The only reason why an Israeli team is playing in the European competition in the first instance is because its football association has been rightly shunned by Arab nations in the Middle East. And by admitting Israel into Uefa, the football regulators have opened the door to protests such as those by the Celtic fans.
Palestine is a nation recognised by the United Nations. Its flag is a legitimate symbol of pride. To fine supporters — regardless of their support for any team — for waving it is ludicrous. Last year, at the height of the refugee crisis, Uefa took pride in the fact that banners were hung on German stadiums welcoming Syrian refugees. A political statement? Yes — one that went unpunished. Uefa is simply playing by its own convenient rules.