Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has condemned sections of Celtic’s support for disrupting the minute’s silence held in honour of Remembrance Sunday at Rugby Park.
The pre-match tribute, intended to commemorate those who lost their lives in conflict, was marred by jeers and chants from parts of the away end. The disturbance prompted referee Nick Walsh to cut the silence short.
Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker later issued an apology, stating, “Sorry if you were offended for the disturbance to the silence.”
The disruption wasn’t confined to jeers alone. Pro-Palestine banners were unfurled before the tribute, with some Celtic supporters waving large Irish and Palestinian flags.
One banner read: “From Balfour to Starmer. The crimes of the empire live on. Britain is committing genocide in Gaza,” referencing the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
As Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell laid a wreath of poppies at the centre circle, boos could be heard from the travelling support.
The referee’s whistle signalled the beginning of the silence, but chanting and singing persisted, prompting Sky Sports to lower the audio from pitchside microphones.
Speaking after the match, Derek McInnes expressed his dismay.
“Celtic even decided when the minute silence stops. I mean, we don’t get these decisions,” McInnes said.
“I thought it was awful. Awful. Why? I’m not going to lie, 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.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers also addressed the incident, acknowledging the divisive nature of such occasions but emphasising the importance of respect.
“I think if it’s a minute silence it should be a minute,” Rodgers said.
“That’s the reality of it. I think you guys know the script up here at this time of the year. It’s always a challenge. But if it’s a minute silence, it’s a minute silence.
“I think we all want to respect that. And we all understand that some don’t. So, it can be a divisive one.
“But like I say, I understand. But really, my chat is for the football and that’s something else. That’s outside of that, sadly.”
The incident has sparked widespread debate, highlighting the tensions that often surface during this time of year in Scottish football.