UEFA could take action against Celtic over Palestine flag display

UEFA state that political statements are banned in football, but Celtic's fans used their match with the Israeli opposition to wave the flags, conduct UEFA's governing body will view as provocative.

Celtic have been hit with various fines in recent years by UEFA mainly for flares and banners, and were previously fined £16,000 for waving Palestinian flags during a Champions League qualifying match with KR Reykjavik two years ago.

"UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Committee took action after delegates flagged up the flag-flying in their reports from Celtic’s Champions League qualifier against KR Reykjavik. UEFA deem the Palestine flag a political symbol because the conflict with Israeli forces in the region is still ongoing," said UEFA in a statement at the time.

“The use of gestures, words, objects or any other means to transmit any message that is not fit for a sports event, particularly messages that are of a political, ideological, religious or provocative nature will not be tolerated.”

Police Scotland had warned fans they could be arrested for waving the flags due to the possibility of crowd trouble.

The Glasgow club will no doubt be hoping for a less high-profile incident when they visit Israel for the second leg of their qualifying match on Tuesday.