A PROMINENT Northern Ireland politician has compared Celtic's Champions League trip to Gibraltar with the killing of three IRA members there in 1988.

Gregory Campbell, a leading member of the Democratic Unionist Party, made comments on social media about "the last time Irish Republican sympathisers went to Gibraltar and lost".

The controversial politician, who previously attempted to have allegations about Celtic receiving state aid raised at the European parliament, has refused to remove his Facebook post claiming he was "making jokes about dead terrorists".

The killings of IRA members Sean Savage, Mariead Farrell and Daniel McCann by the SAS on Gibraltar was the catalyst for one of the darkest periods of The Troubles, with the funerals attacked by lone Loyalist gunman Michael Stones.

Two British Army corporals, David Howes and Derek Wood, were subsequently murdered at the funeral of one of those killed in the cemetery attack.

The Scottish champions play in Gibraltar on Tuesday, July 12.

Ahead of the tie, East Londonderry MP Mr Campbell, said: "Someone told me that Celtic are due to play on the 12th, in Gibraltar.

"That info was ok but wasn't sure what he meant when he hoped that it wouldn't be like the last time Irish Republican sympathisers went to Gibraltar and lost."

Celtic have described the comments as "highly inappropriate and irresponsible and not worthy of any further comment".

Speaking earlier today on Stephen Nolan's BBC radio show, Mr Campbell defended the comments.

He said: "Someone told me Celtic were playing on the Twelfth of July, which I thought was ironic. When they told me they were playing in Gibraltar, I thought that was even more ironic.

"The fact is an IRA gang went out to Gibraltar to kill members of the British Army and when they were shot dead by the SAS, their devices, ammunitions and explosives were recovered.

"This was 28 years ago and you'd wonder why some would want to make an issue of it now then wouldn't you.

"Those people died as a result of being sent out there and now because it's 28-years later there is a reference made by me about this football match being played where it took place and some that support the football club that are going would revel in Irish republican activity."

He said his party leader Arlene Foster would have "no interest" in his comments.

"I wouldn't blow this out of proportion," he added.

When asked if he should be making jokes about dead people.

He responded: "Hold on, I was making jokes about dead terrorists."

Mr Campbell said he had no intention of removing the post.

David McCann is a commentator on Northern Ireland's political scene.

The deputy editor of the Slugger O'Toole website said: "Gregory has a history of making some very forthright comments in the past about issues such as the Irish language. Linking Celtic playing in Gibraltar is more than bizarre and I don't see what purpose these comments serve."

Although the state aid allegations made regarding Celtic never a political issue in Scotland, Mr Campbell said he had requested that party colleagues in the European Parliament raise the matter "on a number of occasions".

In an online interview Mr Campbell, who was also the Northern Ireland Assembly's minister for culture, arts and leisure, added that the matter had not been given prominence in Scotland due to "politicians relying on Celtic-minded voters and media coverage to get re-elected".