THE First Minister has said there are “more important issues” than flag waving when it comes to discussing the conflict in the Middle East.
It comes after Celtic fans unveiled a huge display showing support for Palestine during the Champions League clash against Atletico Madrid.
Asked if he thought the display was a show of solidarity with Palestine, the FM said: “Of course waving flags is a demonstration of solidarity.
“There’s more important issues than flags being waved in this crisis.”
He said he did not want to comment on what happened at a football game.
“We are a democratic society. We can wave Israeli flags, Palestinian flags, Scottish flags, Union Jacks all they want,” Yousaf said.
Celtic had previously urged supporters not to bring Palestinian flags inside Parkhead ahead of the game.
A club statement read: “Celtic Park is where we come to support our football club. Recognising this, respecting the gravity of the tragedy unfolding and its impact on communities in Scotland and across the world, and in line with other clubs, leagues and associations, we ask that banners, flags and symbols relating to the conflict and those countries involved in it are not displayed at Celtic Park at this time.”
It comes after the Prime Minister revealed that UK Border Force teams have been set up in Egypt to “quickly” assist British nationals looking to escape Gaza.
Rishi Sunak (below) said he is pushing for a pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas to allow aid to reach Palestinians and also create a “safer environment” for UK citizens to leave the bombarded 25-mile strip.
Israel has only in recent days agreed to allow aid into the country through the crossing, having besieged the Hamas-ruled area to prevent essentials such as water, food and fuel from reaching more than two million Palestinians.
The border crossing into north-east Egypt is likely to be the main exit route for those trapped in Gaza but it is currently closed other than for aid deliveries.
