The Green Brigade plan to raise funds for Palestine has crashed through the £100,000 barrier with much more to follow as t-shirts and other items are sold for the cause.
The Celtic fans campaign has gone viral with supporters of other clubs donating, not pledging, real cash as UEFA prepares to punish Celtic for supporters flying the Palestine flag during the Champions League qualifier against Hapoel Beer Sheva.
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Newspapers such as the Guardian have highlighted the story with money coming in worldwide to embarrass UEFA in their sanctions against Celtic.
On Friday, two days after the Champions League qualifier the club announced: “UEFA has today notified the club that disciplinary proceedings have been instigated in accordance with the UEFA disciplinary regulations.
“The notification relates to “illicit banner” at the match on August 17, under article 16(2) of the UEFA disciplinary regulations. The matter will be decided by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body when it meets on September 22, 2016.
Celtic will not make any further comment on this matter until this process is complete.
“Article 16(2) However, all associations and clubs are liable for the following inappropriate behaviour on the part of their supporters and may be subject to disciplinary measures and directives even if they can prove the absence of any negligence in relation to the organisation of the match.”
Section e of the statement covered: “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, offensive or provocative nature.”
In anticipation of sanctions enterprising hoops fans stated: “ In response to this petty and politically partisan act by European football’s governing body, we are determined to make a positive contribution to the game and today launch a campaign to #matchthefineforpalestine.
“We aim to raise £75,000 which will be split equally between Medical Aid Palestine (MAP) and the Lajee Centre, a Palestinian cultural centre in Aida Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Bethlehem. From our members’ experiences as volunteers in Palestine we know the huge importance of both organisations’ work and have developed close contacts with them.
“MAP is a UK-based charity which delivers health and medical care to Palestinians worst affected by conflict, occupation and displacement. Working in partnership with local health care providers and hospitals, MAP provides vital public health and emergency response services. This includes training and funding a team of Palestinian surgeons and medics to treat and operate on those affected by the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip.”
By kick off time the fund could be at £150,000- double the target with more certain to follow as soon as UEFA announce their punishment.