A minute’s silence before the game against Kilmarnock at Celtic Park on Remembrance Sunday was met with loud boos from Celtic supporters. Players from both groups gathered around the center circle to observe a moment of silence in memory of those who lost their lives in the war, which was ultimately ended by referee Don Robertson after less than 15 seconds.
The jeers began before Robertson blew the whistle to begin silence, as the pre-match tannoy reminded supporters of their pre-match gesture. And after jeers and chants were heard shortly after the start, Robertson blew his whistle again, signaling a premature end to the minute’s silence.
The match was not televised, but BBC Radio Scotland commentator Rob MacLean said: “It was just a few minutes of silence, a few seconds of silence. There was a threat that the game would be stopped and Don Robertson decided to retire while he was leading.”
The Scottish Premiership fanbase similarly jeered during the Remembrance Day Silence 12 months ago, again against Kilmarnock, but this time at Rugby Park, away from home. The silence was shortened on this day as Sky Sports apologized on air. Commentator Ian Crocker said: “I am sorry if I have offended anyone by interrupting the silence.”
At that match, a banner from away Celtic fans read: “From Balfour to Starmer, the crimes of empire live on and Britain commits genocide in Gaza.”
Later, North Curve Celtic said in a statement: “Today, on Armistice Day, we selectively mourn the loss of life and highlight the hypocrisy and shame of the British establishment and others who did not support the ongoing genocidal ceasefire in Palestine.”
Meanwhile, then-Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers, who resigned last month and left the Scottish champions, said: “If it’s a minute’s silence, I think it should be one minute. Everyone knows the script here at this time of year. It’s always a challenge. But if it’s a minute’s silence, it’s a minute’s silence. We all want to respect that, and we understand that some people don’t. So it can be divisive.”
The Hoops’ well-known fan group, the Green Brigade, was banned from the recent fixture between Celtic and Kilmarnock after the club accused Ultra of preventing police from arresting a person who “assaulted a member of staff” during last month’s game against Falkirk. The Green Brigade declared any reason justifying the six-match suspension to be “disingenuous”.
On the pitch, Johnny Kenny’s opening goal in the 10th minute gave Celtic a 1-0 lead against Killie.
