Minute’s silence cut short as Celtic fans sing through tribute in protest over British establishment ‘hypocrisy’

A minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday was cut short by the referee at a Celtic match as the club’s fans chanted in protest at Britain’s “hypocrisy”.

Celtic fans held up banners ahead of the tribute at Kilmarnock reading: “From Balfour to Starmer, the crimes of the empire live on, Britain is committing genocide in Gaza.”

When referee Nick Walsh blew his whistle to start the silence, Celtic fans sang about the death of Aidan McAnespie, who was shot by a British soldier in County Tyrone in 1988.

Walsh whistled to halt the tribute as the chanting continued.

A Celtic fans group – who were situated where the banners were unfurled – later explained their reasons for the protest.

A statement from North Curve Celtic 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.”

Speaking after the game, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said the tribute should have been completed.

“I think if it’s a minute silence, it should be a minute,” he said. “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 understand that some don’t. So it can be a divisive one.

“Like I say, I understand but really, my chat is for the football and that’s something else that sits outside of that, sadly.”

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Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes said he thought it was “awful”.

“Awful. Why? I’m not going into it, I’m not a politician or anything but it’s our ground, it’s our minute’s silence,” he said.

“I don’t get why we shouldn’t have the wherewithal just to stand and show a bit of respect for one minute.”