'Disgraceful' attack on Celtic fans by far-right demonstrators in Dublin pub

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Naomh Padraig Celtic Supporters Club has slammed an alleged "disgraceful" attack on fans by far-right demonstrators over the weekend.

The incident reportedly happened at a pub on Eden Quay on Saturday following an anti-immigration march in the city centre. Celtic supporters were gathered at the pub to celebrate the club winning their 55th Scottish League title.

According to the Naomh Padraig Celtic Supporters Club, between 35 and 50 people who had been at the earlier anti-immigration demonstration entered the pub and "launched into a physical attack on the Celtic FC supporters and horrendous racial abuse of non Irish members of staff and management".

"The demonstration had been earlier chanting "Get Them Out" in reference to forced mass deportation and anti-Palestinian solidarity slogans with Israeli flags openly on display," Naomh Padraig Celtic Supporters Club said online.

"Those in attendance at the social gathering asked the supporters of the demonstration to leave, in consistence with the Celtic FC message of solidarity with the Palestinian people and those in need of refuge worldwide. The demonstrators launched into a physical attack on the Celtic FC supporters and horrendous racial abuse of non Irish members of staff and management.

"The much larger far right contingent were bravely removed from the property by Celtic supporters while management and staff secured the entrance, closing the venue to the public until it was safe to reopen. We hereby condemn this display and manifestation of bigotry and hatred.

"Celtic FC is a renowned football club, established in 1887 based on the principles of support for impoverished immigrants and refuge seekers. Celtic FC is also a community of international solidarity, there is an estimated international support base of over 9 million supporters (2003) across over 160 Celtic Supporters Clubs established in over 20 countries worldwide.

"There is no place for racism, fascism, anti-immigrant support or even sentiment, regardless of the socio-economic or political climate in the ethos of the spirit of being a true Celtic FC supporter. We abhor the attack in Dublin on our clubs supporters as much as we abhor the message that the Dublin demonstration heralded, and we appeal to those suffering under trying economic circumstances not to be duped by opportunistic political agitators with a far right narrative.

"They do not have the solution to your problems, or the will to strategise one if all they have to offer is placing blame upon the worlds weakest people, refuge seekers."

Thousands participated in Saturday's anti-immigration protest in Dublin city centre and there was a heightened Garda capital for the protest and counter-demonstration, which disrupted traffic on some of the main thoroughfares through the city.

Conor McGregor was among those in attendance at the protest posted a video on social media in which he told followers 'we are here today to shine our light on the failure of Ireland's government and our full disapproval of it.' Public order units, mounted gardai and a helicopter were involved in policing the two rallies.

Gardai said no major incidents occurred but three people were arrested for public order offences. Made up of disparate groups, the main protest was generally organised against the sitting Irish Government and particularly its policies on immigration and housing.

The counter-demonstration was organised by a number of groups who advocate for anti-racism and immigrant rights, including trade unions, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and the Socialist Party.

Dublin Live has contacted An Garda Siochana for comment.

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