The recent attacks on Gaza by the Israeli army have prompted worldwide displays of solidarity, but predominantly in the form of protests. However, one place we may not expect to find solidarity is amoung the terraces of Britain’s football grounds, and among players themselves.
This is not the case though, as displayed by Glasgow Celtic fans at last weekends fixture against Aberdeen. The Celtic ‘ultras’ were seen to be hanging banners reading “Freedom For Palestine” and “Shoulder To Shoulder We Stand”. The solidarity and support of left wing causes, seen among the ultras is believed to stem from the persecution that catholic immigrants to Scotland recieved.
This show of solidarity from within football and sport in general is not isolated, and permeates every level of the game.
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[one_half_last]Earlier this year, also in Scotland, fans at a Scotland vs. Israel womens match, are seen chanting anti-Israeli songs and waving Palestinian flags[/one_half_last] [one_half]
The display at Celtic’s match against Aberdeen was not the first by their fans. On the last game of the season this year, the day of Celtic’s crowning as Scottish champions, in enclaves of the crowd Palestinian flags could be seen waving. This was also seen at the match against Barcelona earlier this month.[/one_half]
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[one_half_last]Diego Maradonna, joint player of the 20th century, and arguably the best football player of all time is a known supporter of Palestine. “I support the case of the Palestinian people because I grew up fully aware of struggle and confrontation of injustice. Palestine is a struggling country,” he said earlier this year.[/one_half_last] [one_half]
Former FIFA World Player of the Year, Cristiano Ronaldo has been a long time supporter of the Palestinian cause, and in 2008 he auctioned off a pair of his boots, in order to raise funds to help build schools in Gaza.[/one_half]
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[one_half_last]French born Malian footballer, Fredric Kanoute, exposed a shirt while playing for Sevilla in support of Palestine in 2008 during the last period of extended conflict in the region.[/one_half_last]
Images courtesy of futbolgoo
