Israeli police on alert ahead of Celtic match
Hundreds of Israeli police stationed around soccer stadium as Celtic plays Hapoel Be'er Sheva after last week saw intense demonstrations and Scottish fans waving Palestinian flags outside stadium before match; flags to be removed if necessary.
Israeli police are on high alert ahead of a match between Celtic and Hapoel Beer Sheva after fans of the Scottish champion taunted the Israeli team by waving Palestinian flags at their last meeting.
Spokesman Micky Rosenfeld says hundreds of police will be deployed in and around the stadium to "ensure that it is a sport event and not a political event," and that flags will be removed if necessary.
Political banners and protests are banned at matches organized by the Union of European Football Associations.
UEFA charged Celtic over fans displaying Palestinian flags at a Champions League match with the Israeli team last week. Celtic fans often wave Palestinian flags at matches but many more were seen during that match.
Tuesday's winner advances to the elite 32-team group stage.
