A decade of Lajee Celtic: The Palestinian club whose fans include Cantona
Summary
Lajee Celtic is a grassroots sports club based in a Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank. It started as a football project and has grown into an international symbol of support, with connections to Celtic fans and participation in local football competitions despite challenges in the region.Key Facts
- Lajee Celtic is based in Aida Camp, a Palestinian refugee camp in the West Bank.
- The club began about 10 years ago as a football project to support local youth.
- It has gained international support, especially from Celtic football club fans in Scotland and Ireland.
- In 2016, Celtic fans displayed Palestinian flags during a Champions League game, leading to a fine but increased solidarity campaigns.
- The club includes young players from Bethlehem, Hebron, Jerusalem, and nearby villages.
- Lajee Celtic entered the Palestinian football league competition for the first time in recent years.
- The club joined the Thousand Martyrs Cup, named after athletes killed in Gaza since October 2023.
- Lajee Celtic has also expanded its activities to include a boxing program starting in 2025.
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