Celtic fan club slams 'disgraceful' attack by far-right protestors in Irish pub

Irish Daily Mirror

30-04-2025

Naomh Padraig Celtic Supporters Club has condemned an alleged assault on its members by far-right protestors in Dublin at the weekend.
The incident is said to have occurred at a pub on Eden Quay in Dublin on Saturday, in the aftermath of an anti-immigration rally in the city centre. Hoops fans had congregated at the pub to celebrate the club's 55th Scottish League title victory, achieved after a 5-0 victory over Dundee United.
According to the Naomh Padraig Celtic Supporters Club, an estimated 35 to 50 individuals who had participated in the earlier anti-immigration march stormed into 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," reports Dublin Live.
"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," the Naomh Padraig Celtic Supporters Club said in a post 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 club's 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 of people took part in an anti-immigration protest and counter protests in Dublin city centre on Saturday, causing traffic disruption on some of the city's main roads. Among those present was Conor McGregor, who posted a video on social media criticising the Irish government's failures.
The Gardaí had a strong presence at the protests, with public order units, mounted officers, and a helicopter deployed.
No major incidents were reported but Gardaí did arrest three people for public order offences. The main protest was primarily organised against the current Irish Government and its policies on immigration and housing.
A counter-demonstration was organised by various groups advocating for anti-racism and immigrant rights, including trade unions, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and the Socialist Party.
An Garda Síochána has been contacted for comment.