Newsgroup: it.politica.internazionale
Titolo: tenere il razzismo lontano dagli stadi

come la dirigenza del Chelsea e' riuscita a fermare una odiosa 
manifestazione antisemita
http://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/24519/celtic-reject-disgraceful-protest-tel-aviv-match
Celtic reject 'disgraceful' protest at Tel Aviv match
By Robyn Rosen in Glasgow
Created 3 Dec 2009 - 11:01am
The Scottish Trades Union Congress has been widely condemned for 
“politicising football” after it handed out thousands of Palestinians 
flags at the Hapoel Tel Aviv/Celtic match at Celtic Park in Glasgow.
Campaigners from the STUC and the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign 
took 10,000 Palestinian flags to distribute to fans entering Celtic’s 
ground as an “act of solidarity” with Palestinians, almost one year 
after Israel’s operation in Gaza, Cast Lead.
Dave Moxham, STUC deputy general secretary, insisted that a 
demonstration at the game was justified.
He said: “This December marks the one year anniversary of the Israeli 
invasion of Gaza in which 1,400 men, women and children were killed in 
an act described by the United Nations as ‘indicating serious violations 
of international human rights’ and ‘amounting to war crimes, and 
possibly crimes against humanity’.
“Israel also continues to flout international law through its illegal 
occupation, through increasing settlements and building its so-called 
security wall which separates Palestinians, family from family and 
community from community.”
Mr Moxham said he had written to both clubs, “outlining the reasons and 
purpose of this demonstration and making clear that we attach no blame 
either to Hapoel Tel Aviv players, nor their fans, for the outrageous 
actions of their government.
“We hope that Celtic fans will join with us in a demonstration of 
support for a just and lasting peace in Israel/Palestine based on a safe 
and secure Palestinian homeland living side-by-side with Israel.”
Mick Napier, chairman of the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign, 
described the flag initiative as a”an opportunity to let the 
Palestinians know that we have not forgotten their ongoing suffering.”
But the club strongly opposed the calls for a demonstration. Its 
spokesman, Iain Jamieson, said: “Celtic Football Club believes in 
football as a powerful medium for social integration. Celtic has always 
been a club for all people, regardless of gender, age, religion, race, 
politics or ability. We therefore believe Celtic Park is no place for a 
political demonstration”.
Outside the ground on Wednesday night around 60 volunteers from STUC and 
SPSC tried to hand out rolled-up Palestinian flags and anti-Israel 
material to supporters. But each campaigner was immediately surrounded 
by a large crowd, furiously debating the issue, with many fans shouting: 
“We don’t want you here.”
Match stewards approached the campaigners telling them to stop handing 
out flags and fliers on Celtic FC property.
Some flags were taken inside, though not anywhere near what the 
organisers had hoped. More than 300 Hapoel Tel Aviv supporters, with a 
dedicated high security presence, flew Israeli flags and banners.
At the end of the match a campaigner tried to run on to the pitch with a 
Palestinian flag. He was quickly escorted away by police, and booed by 
Celtic fans.
Steven Purcell, leader of Glasgow City Council, wrote to the STUC to 
express his “disgust” at their using a football match for political 
purposes.
David Links, a trustee of JNF/KKL Scotland, which hosted a reception for 
the Hapoel team and Israeli ambassador Ron Prosor at Celtic Park, is a 
long-time Celtic fan. He said: “I think it is totally wrong for the STUC 
to be involved in a football match. I feel disappointed at the fans who 
did pick up flags. There could have been serious aggravation here.”
Celtic fan Alan Levy said: “It was disgraceful to see campaigners 
handing out the flags. People didn’t even understand what they meant, 
and it was very worrying to see people accepting them.”
Israeli ambassador Mr Prosor said: “Sport prevailed over politics. Since 
Hapoel were originally a team based on the Israeli unions, it seems 
ironic that people demonstrated against them.”

 manifestazione antisemita
Chelsea? Non avrai sbagliato a leggere per non riconoscere che il
Celtic è la squadra dei cattolici di Glasgow?