‘Show Israel the Red Card’: Pro-Palestine Fans Worldwide Call for Israel’s Suspension from International Competitions
Glasgow (Quds News Network)- Football fans worldwide are expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people by calling for a suspension of Israel from international competitions.
Celtic Fans
The fans have been unfurling “Show Israel the red card" banners and displaying red cards at matches, beginning with the ultras of the Scottish football team Celtic who called for Israel to be banned from international competitions during a Champions League match with Bayern Munich on February 12.
Fans unfurled a large banner reading "Show 'Israel' the Red Card" during halftime in a major campaign led by the Green Brigades.
Hundreds of supporters also held up smaller red leaflets distributed by the group carrying the same message.
"At the start of the second half, please Show 'Israel' the Red Card to send a direct message to UEFA and FIFA to apply their respective statutes and suspend 'Israel' from competition," the leaflet read.
"By doing so, you will not only be doing the right thing but you will be joining football fans of conscience and courage around the world who will be adopting the same message."
Several Palestinian flags could be seen around the ground.
“This was a direct message to UEFA and FIFA to apply their respective statutes and suspend 'Israel' from competition," the Green Brigades said in a statement on Thursday. The Green Brigades is a Celtic FC supporter ultra group formed in 2006 and are known for their decorative tifos often depicting their unwavering support for Palestine over the years, particularly during Israel’s 15 assault on Gaza.
"Israel is committing genocide and ethnic cleansing; it is practicing apartheid; and it is illegally occupying Palestinian territory. All of this is in breach of international law.”
Show Israel The Red Card
Superb statement from #Celtic ultras tonight against #Bayern. The fans held up red cards, as well as the banner. It’s fitting they chose a match against German opponents. #Germany supports unconditionally the #Israeli genocide in #Gaza. #RedCardIsrael pic.twitter.com/pHlKWtU32u
— Football Fans Against Fascism (@Class1Action) February 12, 2025
"We call on football fans around the world who value life, humanity, dignity, freedom, peace, and justice to be courageous and to use your platform to stand against the crimes of 'Israel' and stand with Palestine.”
"If the football world unites to isolate 'Israel', then other arenas will inevitably follow this example."
Celtic fans are well known for their pro-Palestine activism and have for years flown Palestinian flags during games.
“Football Should Not Serve as Platform for Oppression”
The Celtic fans have inspired similar actions in support of Palestinians in Italy, Spain, France, Greece, Ireland, Turkey, and Malaysia.
Supporters of @StRochsJuniors show ‘Israel’ the red card 🟥✊@RedCardGlasgow @NCCeltic pic.twitter.com/1cKoy96IF7
— Lager Shandy (@LagerShandySRSC) February 22, 2025
In Spain, fans of Osasuna in Pamplona displayed a banner that read "Show Israel the red card" alongside the Palestinian flag during a La Liga match against Real Madrid.
Osasuna fans respond to the call from Green Brigade (@NCCeltic) to 'Show Israel the Red Card' and raise thousands of red cards at their game today versus Real Madrid.
It's believed there are dozens of other actions planned at stadiums across the world over the next few weeks. pic.twitter.com/2xcXUh9XuQ
— Liam O'Hare (@Liam_O_Hare) February 15, 2025
In Greece, fans of Aris Thessaloniki waved a banner featuring the slogan, as well as the Palestinian flag.
In Turkey, Galatasaray and Bursaspor fans have also expressed their thanks to the Green Brigade for starting the campaign, saying “We are proud to stand alongside supporters across the world who advocate for peace and justice... Football should bring people together, not serve as a platform for oppression”.
Incredible scenes at Sanchez Pizjuán stadium as Sevilla fans join the "Show Israel the Red Card" campaign during their game vs. Mallorca in La Liga.
Coincidentally, the phrase above them reads "it's said they never give up"
Football fans are really not giving up on this one 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/m3HCzwsChc
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) February 24, 2025
"𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗜𝗦𝗥𝗔𝗘𝗟 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗗" 🟥
🇲🇾 Malaysian football fans unveil a tifo of a Palestinian child showing the red card to Israel. 👏 pic.twitter.com/UqXwiAu31Q
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) February 23, 2025
'Show Israel the Red Card' at match with world's biggest soccer club Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/hKNATfNuzs
— RT (@RT_com) February 16, 2025
