- Clubs across the country held a minute’s silence ahead of kick-off on Sunday
- But Celtic supporters loudly booed with the noise audible on Sky’s microphones
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Celtic supporters loudly booed during a minute’s silence held before their match against Kilmarnock on Remembrance Sunday – forcing Sky Sports to apologise.
Brendan Rodgers‘ Scottish Premiership leaders travelled to Rugby Park and both sets of players joined clubs across the country in falling silent ahead of kick-off.
Kilmarnock officials organised the moment of contemplation to pay respects and a reminder was issued to the crowd that the pre-match gesture would take place.
But while the players stood in the centre circle, murmurs were heard in the stands.
Kyle Vassell, the hosts’ captain, then approached with a wreath, leading to booing from the away contingent that was picked up on Sky’s pitchside microphones.
Celtic supporters loudly booed during a minute’s silence on Remembrance Sunday
Jeers were audible from the away end as both teams paid their respects in the centre circle
Referee Nick Walsh promptly blew his whistle to signal the beginning of the minute’s silence but the jeers and whistles persisted.
Chants were also audible and the period was ended prematurely after nine seconds.
In a further show of defiance ahead of kick-off, several Celtic supporters had waved large Irish and Palestinian flags above a banner bearing a message.
‘From Balfour to Starmer. The crimes of the empire live on. Britain is committing genocide in Gaza,’ the banner read, referencing the conflict in the Middle East.
Sky commentator Ian Crocker apologised to viewers for any potential offence.
‘Sorry if you were offended for the disturbance to the silence,’ he said.
Posting on social media on Sunday, Kilmarnock wrote: ‘Paying respect. A period of silence observed impeccably by the Kilmarnock supporters.’
Celtic’s Green Brigade, a group of anti-establishment campaigners, are believed to have orchestrated several controversial gestures since their formation in 2006.
Several Hoops supporters turned their back before the period of silence was ended early
A large banner decrying ‘genocide in Gaza’ was also held aloft before kick-off at Rugby Park
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, a pre-match show of respect was marred by a banner which read: ‘If you hate the royal family clap your hands.’
The group also held aloft incendiary messages and banners declaring their support for Palestine after the terror attack in Israel in October last year.
Last month, the Green Brigade alleged representatives were denied entry to a meeting with Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson.