Celtic welcome Syrian refugees to Parkhead for title party

Celtic were crowned Scottish Premiership champions for the fifth season in a row. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

CELTIC welcomed 140 Syrian refugees to watch the club lift the Scottish Premiership trophy at Parkhead yesterday.

The Glasgow side liaised with the Scottish Government and several local authorities across the west of Scotland to organise the visit.

Ronny Deila’s team were crowned league champions after a comprehensive 7-0 victory over Motherwell.

Before kick-off several Syrian children led the Celtic players out as mascots.

The club said in a statement that it regularly invited various groups within the community to matches.

Celtic previously donated almost £60,000 to help refugees fleeing Africa and the Middle East.

They also joined city rivals Rangers to pay £34,000 for two emergency response vehicles in a show of solidarity with those seeking refuge.

The clubs answered a plea from the Glasgow Cares initiative founded by former Scottish Labour deputy leader Anas Sarwar.

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Everyone at Celtic and our supporters I am sure were delighted to welcome our guests on Sunday. Celtic has been a club open to all, since its formation in 1888 and we always ensure that this ethos is fundamental to our club.

He continued: “None of us can really imagine what these people, as individuals and families, have faced in recent times.

“We have all seen the many images and the stories of the journey they have experienced, but we cannot fully appreciate what they have faced.

“Through Celtic FC Foundation, we have already supported a range of initiatives in connection with the refugee crisis and we wanted to demonstrate our support again for people who so richly deserve our time and care.”