Celtic fans have so far raised over £40,000 for Palestinian charities after the club was charged by Uefa following last week’s flag display during the Champions League victory over Israeli outfit Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Despite Police Scotland fans threatening to arrest supporters who waved Palestinian flags in the during the match at Celtic Park, the message was ignored by those in attendance with dozens of flags held aloft during the Champions League anthem.

Uefa charged the Scottish club on Friday for an “illicit banner” display and with the last fine the club faced from European football’s governing body being £15,000, fans set up a Go Fund Me page to raise the money, which will then be “split 50/50 between Medical Aid Palestine (MAP) and to the Lajee Centre, a Palestinian creative cultural children’s centre in Aida Refugee Camp, Bethlehem.”

However, they have more than doubled that target.

The fundraising page says: “At the Champions League match with Hapoel Beer Sheva on August 17 2016, the Green Brigade and fans throughout Celtic Park flew the flag for Palestine.

“This act of solidarity has earned Celtic respect and acclaim throughout the world. It has also attracted a disciplinary charge from Uefa, which deems the Palestinian flag to be an ‘illicit banner’.

“In response to this petty and politically partisan act by European football’s governing body we are determined to make a positive contribution to the game and today launch a campaign to #matchthefineforpalestine.

“For the young people of Aida, the Lajee Centre offers hope and an escape from the realities of life under Israeli occupation via its art and culture programmes and sport programmes.

“The camp’s only football pitch was built last year by the Lajee Centre, at the heart of Aida. The pitch is now protected by metal netting after it was damaged by tear gas canisters fired by the Israeli (Defece) Forces. Residents had previously played on recreation ground stolen by the wall.

“The money will be a much needed boost to the Lajee Centre who will be able to extend their activities to bring much needed relief via their arts, dance and football programmes. One such programme is that of youth football, with the Lajee Centre looking to organise a youth football team to take part in the Bethlehem Youth League.

“There are no organised teams in Aida, with basic equipment like boots in short supply. Funds raised will provide equipment, strips and travel costs to enable the camp to enter a team in the Bethlehem Youth League.”