Palestinian national team boss wants Celtic friendly match

The Celtic Star

·15 marzo 2025

Palestinian national team boss wants Celtic friendly match

Ehab Abu Jazar, Head Coach of the Palestinian national team, has expressed his desire for a friendly match against Celtic, while also lavishing praise on the club’s supporters…

The Celtic support at the Scottish Cup on 25 May 2024, after Celtic’s 1-0 win over theRangers in the final at Hampden Park. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Abu Jazar has praised the deep bond between the people of Palestine and the Celtic supporters, who consistently display Palestinian flags at both home and away matches.

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He expressed his wish for Palestine to face Celtic in a friendly match. Speaking in the Daily Record, Abu Jazar said: “For sure, it would be a fantastic moment if the Palestine national team could play against Celtic.”

“At any time possible, we would be ready for such a match. It would be special for the people of Palestine.”

The Celtic FC fans show their support after the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers’ side enjoys a faithful following in Abu Jazar’s homeland, with Celtic fans’ backing of Palestine being widely acknowledged. “Every Palestinian is aware of the backing from the Celtic fans,” he said. “All the Palestinians support Celtic.”

Palestine is currently ranked 101st in the FIFA standings, and one of their star players, Oday Dabbagh, is playing in Scotland with Aberdeen.

Dabbagh featured at Celtic Park during the Dons’ 5-1 loss a few weeks ago. “We are also supporting them [Celtic] along with Oday [Dabbagh] at Aberdeen,” revealed Abu Jazar.

“Personally, it is great to see people who really believe in freedom and liberation in Europe. We are really proud that our player, Oday, is playing in a country like that, surrounded in a society like that. It means so much to me and every other Palestinian.”

Conor Spence

27 August 2000: Henrik Larsson celebrates during the Scottish Premier League match against Rangers at Celtic Park. Celtic won the game 6 – 2. Photo: Stu Forster /Allsport