Four Celtic Fans Arrested in Azerbaijan for Attempting to Smuggle PLO Flag
Four fans of the Scottish football club Celtic were arrested in Azerbaijan for attempting to bring the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) flag into a match against Israeli team Hapoel Be'er Sheva. The incident occurred at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku during a Champions League qualifying match.
Security forces identified the attempt to smuggle the flag into the stadium and apprehended four suspects. Following initial questioning, two of the individuals were released. However, the authorities in Azerbaijan made it clear that attempts to use sporting events for political provocation would be met with a firm response.
Two of the arrested fans were subsequently brought before a district court in Baku. They were sentenced to one month in prison for disobeying police orders and disturbing public order. The court did not impose symbolic fines or verbal warnings, opting instead for a custodial sentence.
The article contrasts Azerbaijan's firm stance against political provocations at sporting events with what it describes as a more lenient approach in Western Europe towards demonstrations supporting terrorism. It highlights Azerbaijan's commitment to maintaining law and order, stating that such provocations will be met with "a solid wall."
