The Green Brigade has hit out at Celtic for their statement over political display inside Parkhead.

It comes after the fan group showed their support for Palestine at the weekend during the game with Kilmarnock.

Surrounded by Palestinian flags, which were on show at points through the match, their banners read: "Free Palestine. Victory To The Resistance!"

The move came on the weekend that Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by many Western countries including the UK, launched an attack on Israel from occupied Gaza which killed thousands of civilians.

The club condemned those wishing to 'use Celtic Park as a vehicle for such messages'.

Now, the Green Brigade has hit back at the club as they encouraged Celtic fans to 'fly the Palestine flag' at the upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

A statement reads: "Following a recent Celtic PLC statement, we would like to reiterate our unshakeable belief that we, and other football supporters, have the right to express political views on the terraces, just as ordinary citizens do elsewhere in society. Football remains one of the few areas of public life where working-class people have genuine political agency, and we will not be dictated to by an elitist board that has repeatedly demonstrated contempt for the history and traditions of Celtic Football Club.

"Celtic was born out of famine and oppression, a product of colonial rule, death and the mass displacement of people. It is because of this history that Celtic fans are renowned for their empathy and solidarity; consistently siding with the oppressed and destitute. This fact is not lost on the PLC as it regularly flirts with the idea, particularly where it can be commodified, yet the board are quick to condemn when the views expressed challenge their worldview, disingenuously then proclaiming to be apolitical.

"The current hypocrisy of the PLC is sadly in step with much of the political and media class, epitomised through the example of Ukraine. Political messaging was welcome at Celtic Park then; yet it is being condemned now. The question on any reasonable mind should be why? Why are Ukrainian lives more sacred than Palestinian lives?

READ MORE: Celtic condemn Green Brigade displays in support of Palestine

"The Green Brigade remains unequivocal in our support for the Palestinian people, as we have been consistently. We have supported various Palestinian projects throughout our history and for over a decade have developed a close relationship with Aida Refugee Camp culminating in the formation of the Aida Celtic football academy in Bethlehem. We send our sincere solidarity and prayers to our friends across all of Palestine at this traumatic time when yet again much of the international community turns its back in cowardice while war crimes are inflicted on a largely defenceless, imprisoned population.

"We call on the Celtic support - the true custodians of Celtic Football Club - to stand on the right side of history. In 2016, we defiantly raised the flag and matched the fine for Palestine. Now, more than ever, the Palestinian people need our solidarity.

"On 25th October, v Atletico Madrid, we ask all Celtic fans to raise the Palestine flag on the European stage and show the world that Celtic Football Club stands with the oppressed, not the oppressor. We must apply learning from apartheid South Africa to dismantle apartheid Israel - if we are neutral in situations of injustice, we have chosen the side of the oppressor.

"In the meantime, we encourage fans to donate to the MAP Gaza Emergency Fund."

Celtic's statement last night read: "Banners displayed in a section of Celtic Park prior to Saturday's game do not represent the views of Celtic Football Club and we disassociate ourselves from them. We condemn the display of such messages at Celtic Park.

"Celtic is a football club and not a political organisation. One of our core values from inception is to be open to all regardless of race, colour, politics or creed. That is why the Club has always made clear that political messages and banners are not welcome at Celtic Park, or any match involving Celtic. At a time of loss and suffering for many, it is entirely inappropriate for any group of individuals to use Celtic Park as a vehicle for such messages.

"We call on all supporters, regardless of their personal views, to unite in backing our players and the club while respecting the rights and beliefs of others; particularly those whose lives are affected by violence and hatred."