Brendan Rodgers was keen to avoid controversy after Celtic fans caused a Rememberance Sunday minute’s silence to be cut short, but suggested the tribute should have been observed.
Ahead of Celtic’s Scottish Premiership clash with Kilmarnock on Sunday at Rugby Park there was due to be the traditional minute’s silence before kick-off.
The players assembled in the centre circle and Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell approached with a wreath, with the away fans booing as he did.
The referee blew his whistle to commence the minute’s silence but there was further booing, whistling and pro-IRA chanting from the Celtic fans.
Such was the noise that the referee gave up on the period of reflection after just nine seconds.
Asked about the controversry after the match, Rodgers told Sky Sports: ‘I think if it’s a minute silence it should be a minute.
‘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.
‘But thankfully we get the win on the football side and thankfully we go into the break in a really good place.’
Sky Sports apologised after the jeering, with commentator Ian Crocker saying: ‘Sorry if you were offended for the disturbance to the silence.’
Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes was angry that the minute’s silence was cut short and fumed at the ‘awful’ response was dictated by away fans.
‘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 fans also waved Irish and Palestinian flags, while banners were shown, which read: ‘From Balfour to Starmer. The crimes of the empire live on. Britain is committing genocide in Gaza.’
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