Football's shame as Remembrance Sunday silence is scrapped after nine seconds when Celtic football fans chant pro-IRA songs through it
A Remembrance Sunday minute's silence was scrapped after nine seconds when Celtic football fans chanted pro-IRA songs through it.
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, booing and unrest was heard in the stands.
Booing was heard as the Kilmarnock captain brought a poppy wreath to the centre of the pitch.
Then the show of respect was cancelled when fans of the Scottish Premiership champions booed and sang pro-IRA songs.
Jeers were audible from the away end as both teams paid their respects in the centre circle
Celtic supporters loudly booed during a minute's silence on Remembrance Sunday
Match official Nick Walsh (pictured yesterday) decided to scrap the minute's silence
Suspected Green Brigade members also waved Irish and Palestinian flags at the away end in an act of defiance against the minute's silence for the dead.
Match official Nick Walsh then decided to scrap the Remembrance Sunday silence.
'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.
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes blasted the fans' behaviour but also criticised the move to cancel the minute's silence nine seconds in.
The booing and protests could be seen during the TV coverage of the match, leading Sky to apologise for the 'disturbance'.
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.'
McInnes told The Telegraph: 'I thought it was awful. I'm not a politician or anything, but it's our ground, it's our minute silence. I don't get why we shouldn't have the wherewithal just to stand and show a bit of respect for one minute.'
The Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers agreed, saying 'if it's a minute silence, it's a minute silence' but added 'it can be a divisive one'.
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
Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers said'if it's a minute silence, it's a minute silence'
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes blasted the fans' behaviour but also criticised the move to cancel the minute's silence nine seconds in
Celtic's Green Brigade group - which was formed in 2006 - has waved IRA sympathising flags and often made barbs at football authorities.
After the late Queen passed away, a sign reading 'if you hate the royal family clap your hands' was seen being waved at a pre-match commemoration.
Derry City fans also waved a Free Palestine banner during the FAI Cup final against Drogheda United which was taken down but later re-appeared.
The group also held aloft incendiary messages and banners declaring their support for Palestine after the terror attack in Israel in October last year.
Following Free Palestine messaging, Israel manager Alon Hazan branded The Green Brigade fans anti-Semitic, which they reacted to with uproar.
Last month, The Green Brigade alleged representatives were denied entry to a meeting with Celtic CEO Michael Nicholson.
Taking to social media, The Green Brigade group 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.'
