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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Celtic reject Israel boss' anti-Semitic claims against the club

Celtic have refuted claims from the Israel manager that elements of their support are anti-Semitic.

Alon Hazan made the comments after Liel Abada reportedly held meetings with the Parkhead board over the since-banned Green Brigade's banners and chants about the Middle East conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Hazan was asked in a homeland interview what advice he would give to Abada and international teammate Shon Weissman.

He said: "Liel Abada doesn't need me to step into his shoes. He did his military national service to the state and did a fine job.

"He demanded that Celtic's management issue a condemnation against their fans, who are known to be anti-Semitic, even though there were many Israeli players who played for this club."

Elements of the club's support have thrown their support behind Palestine's cause by flying flags and other messages at games in recent weeks.

Celtic had told the Green Brigade that political issues such as this conflict should be kept away from football. 

And while their standpoint remains the same, with relations between the Parkhead board and the fan group now incredibly strained, Celtic insist Hazon's claims relating to the club are 'totally inaccurate'.

A Celtic spokesperson is quoted as saying: “Any suggestion that the Celtic support is anti-Semitic is totally inaccurate. Celtic is a diverse club, proud to be open to all, ever since its formation in 1888.

“Everyone at Celtic Football Club continues to give Liel our full support.”

Israel have been ordered to play four matches in a nine-day period this month because of the war in their homeland, which saw their games in October postponed and will play their 'home' matches in Hungary as they attempt to qualify for the Euros for the first time.

Abada won't be available due to injury, but the Israeli boss is fuming at what he thinks is UEFA's lack of sympathy towards their plight.

He pointed out: "If I was surprised at UEFA's behaviour, I would be disappointed in myself.

"Take the game in Belgium about two weeks ago, when a terrorist killed two Swedish fans. We could then hear the deep shock from them.

"But in our case, with 1,400 murdered and more than 220 kidnapped, for some reason the shock and condemnation were less significant.

"We don't think for a moment by handing them a gift by leaving. We will present ourselves with an Israeli flag at these games. They won't make us disappear."

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