Celtic followers boo Remembrance Sunday silence as referee ends tribute after 20 seconds
Celtic and Kilmarnock players held a minute’s silence before kick-off to mark Remembrance Sunday, but the gesture was disrupted by the home support at Celtic Park
The minute’s silence for Remembrance Day ahead of Celtic’s match against Kilmarnock was marred by booing from the home fans.
In the east end of Glasgow, both Celtic and Kilmarnock players joined teams nationwide in observing a minute’s silence before kick-off to commemorate Remembrance Day.
All players stood quietly in the centre circle until murmurs from the crowd were heard as the pre-match announcement reminded fans of the respectful gesture.
However, even before referee Don Robertson could blow his whistle to initiate the silence before the Scottish Premiership game, a wave of discontent erupted from the stands at Celtic Park.
Boos and chants filled the air while some sections of the crowd turned their backs, reports the Daily Record.
This led Robertson to prematurely end the moment of respect after less than 20 seconds.
BBC commentator Rob McLean observed: “It was a very brief minute’s silence, it was a few seconds’ silence. It was threatening to be disrupted, and Don Robertson decided to quit while he was ahead.”
The Scottish Premiership club’s fanbase similarly jeered during the Remembrance Day silence 12 months ago, also against Kilmarnock but on that occasion away from home at Rugby Park.
The silence was also cut short on that day as Sky Sports apologised on air. Commentator Ian Crocker said: “Sorry if you were offended by the disturbance to the silence.”
At that game, a banner from the Celtic away fans read: “From Balfour to Starmer, the crimes of the empire live on, Britain is committing genocide in Gaza.”
A later statement from North Curve Celtic said: “Today, on Armistice Day, we highlight the hypocrisy and shame of the British establishment and others who selectively mourn the loss of life and fail to support an armistice to the ongoing genocide in Palestine.”
On the field, the Hoops quickly took the lead following the incident, with striker Johnny Kenny scoring against the visitors from Ayrshire.
