The Rising Impact Of Celtic Fans' 'Show Israel the Red Card' Campaign
Football fans across the world are rallying behind the idea of a complete ban on Israel from soccer. Despite Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza, which many observe as genocide, global football associations have allowed Israel to continue participating in competitions. However, this news has not been received well by football fans worldwide. In May 2024, amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the Palestine Football Association (PFA) called for a ban on Israel’s footballing participation. Yet, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the governing body of international football, has repeatedly delayed making a decision.
Celtic fans initiated a campaign called “Show Israel the Red Card,” which has been widely adopted by football fans around the world. On February 12, 2024, during a match against Bayern Munich, the Green Brigade, Celtic’s fan group, unveiled a massive banner alongside a symbolic red card that read: “Show Israel the Red Card.”
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Along with the banner, which garnered significant media attention, a leaflet explaining the protest’s motives were circulated among fans. “At the start of the second half, please show ‘Israel’ the Red Card to send a direct message to UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) and FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) to apply their respective statutes and suspend ‘Israel’ from competition. By doing so, you will not only be doing the right thing, but you will be joining football fans of conscience and courage around the world who are adopting the same message,” the leaflet read.
“Show Israel the Red Card” has since become a common sight at football matches. Recently, during the fourth week of the Irish Premier League, when Bohemian FC hosted Drogheda United, fans protested Israel’s actions in Gaza by displaying red cards. At the 1-0 victory for Drogheda United at Dalymount Park in Dublin, Bohemian fans raised Palestinian flags, displayed red cards, and chanted calls for UEFA and FIFA to take action against Israel in competitions.
The “Red Card Israel” campaign has now received backing from many fan groups worldwide, with more than 25 countries uniting for Palestine. The demand is consistent – a complete ban on Israel from international football. According to media reports, over 70 teams have joined the global “Red Card Israel” movement.
The “Show Israel the Red Card” campaign is considered one of the biggest revolutions led by football fans in recent history. However, mainstream media has largely ignored this development; there has been little to no coverage or response to the campaign. The fans have taken inspiration from the influential sports boycotts against apartheid South Africa. Despite threats of fines and stadium bans, fans continue to demand accountability and stand up for Palestinian rights.
As of November 2024, during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, over 344 Palestinian footballers have been killed. Speaking to Al Jazeera, Gaza football writer Abubaker Abed said, “At the 1-0 victory for Drogheda United at Dalymount Park in Dublin, Bohemian fans raised Palestinian flags, displayed red cards, and chanted calls for UEFA and FIFA to take action against Israel in competitions.”
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Meanwhile, international sports bodies took decisive action against Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, banning Russia from international competitions. In contrast, similar sanctions or condemnation have not been applied to Israel, highlighting a clear double standard in the actions of these international sports bodies.
Here are some of the fans joining the growing movement:
Osasuna Fans banner yesterday:
“Show Israel The Red Card” pic.twitter.com/JJv7Cr3v5V
— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) February 16, 2025
Malaysian football fans join the global call to show ‘Israel’ the red card. pic.twitter.com/5MUpnGi68h
— Eye on Palestine (@EyeonPalestine) February 24, 2025
Incredible scenes at Sanchez Pizjuán stadium as Sevilla fans join the “Show Israel the Red Card” campaign during their game vs. Mallorca in La Liga.
Coincidentally, the phrase above them reads “it’s said they never give up”
Football fans are really not giving up on this one 🇵🇸 pic.twitter.com/m3HCzwsChc
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) February 24, 2025
The red card is shown once again in Santiago, Chile – this time by the Garra Blanca Antifascista of @ColoColo pic.twitter.com/XHK3yWbgXK
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) February 25, 2025
The Red Card campaign officially arrives in Morocco with the Los Matadores and Fondo Norte of MA Tetouan.
Morocco now joins Algeria, Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia in showing the red card from Africa. pic.twitter.com/HslmPUc5XC
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) February 25, 2025
