First Minister Humza Yousaf at odds with Celtic board over Palestine flags as he says 'we're a democratic society'

FIRST Minister Humza Yousaf has DEFENDED the right of Celtic fans to fly the Palestinian flag at games.

Thousands of Parkhead supporters ignored a pre-match plea from the club to fly the Palestine flag as the Hoops hosted Atletico Madrid in midweek.

Green Brigade ultras held up the red flag and logo of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine after defying the club with a giant Palestine display.

Uefa are currently reviewing footage of the match before deciding what punishments, if any, will be forthcoming.

SNP chief Yousaf's mother-in-law Elizabeth El Nakla is currently trapped in Gaza, having visited with her husband Maged as Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel.

And unlike the Parkhead side themselves, he said he had no problem with Celtic fans flying the Palestine flag.

Hours before Wednesday's match kicked off Celtic released a statement saying: "We have witnessed death, violence and destruction in the Holy Land in recent weeks, with thousands of people - men, women and children - killed, injured and displaced.

"We are witnessing a tragedy of horrendous scale. As it continues, everyone at Celtic prays for all who have been affected.

"We also hope and pray for peace, and for humanitarian support to reach those who are in need and in fear.

"Many of our colleagues, supporters, friends and families have been affected by these events.

"Against this backdrop of conflict and pain, sport can promote peace and demonstrate humanity and empathy for all who continue to suffer.

"For the Club’s UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid this evening, Celtic and Atletico Madrid players and coaching staff will wear black armbands, as a show of respect and support for all those affected by the conflict.

"The Club is also making a contribution to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region.

"The Club recognises that our supporters hold personal views to which everyone is entitled.

"As a club open to all, we all belong at Celtic Park. 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.

"As we approach this crucial fixture, as ever, we sincerely thank our fans for their positive support of the players and the team.

"We thank you very much for your continued support of Celtic Football Club."

But speaking to the press at Holyrood, Yousaf said: "We're a democratic society, people can wave Israeli flags, Palestinian flags, Scottish flags, Union Jacks all they want.

"Of course waving flags is a demonstration of solidarity.

"There are more important issues than flags being waved in this crisis."

Yousaf is a Celtic fan who previously joked about using his ministerial powers to stop Ange Postecoglou leaving for Tottenham Hotspur.

He said: "I asked my team to see if there's anything within my ministerial powers to stop Ange leaving Celtic - if, of course, the rumours are true.

"Of course there's nothing I can do. I would be gutted.

"I think he's been a real revelation. Not just as a manger and his tactics but also the players he's bought - like Kyogo and Hatate - I just don't think they would've come to the Scottish Premiership if he hadn't brought them."