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Celtic fans booed loudly during a minute’s silence before their match against Kilmarnock on Remembrance Sunday, forcing Sky Sports to apologize.
Brendan Rodgers’ Scottish Premiership leaders traveled to Rugby Park and both groups of players joined clubs from around the country in silence before kick-off.
Kilmarnock officials organized a moment of reflection to pay their respects and the crowd were reminded that there would be a pre-match gesture.
But when the players were in the center circle, there was a murmur in the stands.
Kyle Vassell, the hosts’ captain, approached with a wreath, prompting cheers from the away team picked up by Sky’s fieldside microphones.
Celtic fans sing loudly during a minute’s silence on Remembrance Sunday
Cheers could be heard from the other end as both teams paid their respects in the center circle.
Referee Nick Walsh immediately blew his whistle to signal the start of the minute’s silence, but the taunting continued.
The songs were also melodious and ended prematurely after nine seconds.
In another show of defiance before kick-off, several Celtic fans waved large Irish and Palestinian flags over a banner carrying a message.
‘From Balfour to Starmer. The crime of the empire is still alive. “Britain is committing genocide in Gaza,” the banner said, referring to the Middle East conflict.
Sky commentator Ian Crocker apologized to viewers for any possible offence.
“I’m sorry if the silence bothers you,” he said.
Kilmarnock posted on social media on Sunday: “Regards. A period of silence impeccably observed by the Kilmarnock supporters.
The Celtics Green Brigade, a group of anti-establishment activists, is believed to have made several controversial gestures since its formation in 2006.
Several Hoops supporters turned their backs before the period of silence ended early.
Before the start of the match, a large banner proclaiming “Genocide in Gaza” was also raised in Rugby Park.
Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022, a pre-match show was defaced by a banner reading: “Clap your hands if you hate the Royal Family.”
The group also displayed provocative messages and banners declaring their support for Palestine following the terrorist attacks in Israel in October last year.
Last month, alleged representatives of the Green Brigade were refused entry to a meeting with Celtic chief executive Michael Nicholson.
