Celtic supporters who jeered and chanted during minute’s silence ahead of Remembrance Day match are slammed as ‘awful’ by furious Kilmarnock boss Derek McInnes

Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes has hit out at the ‘awful’ Celtic supporters who jeered and chanted during the minute’s silence on Remembrance Sunday.

Sections of the away end at Rugby Park were heard jeering throughout the pre-match show of respect, leading to the minute being cut short by referee Nick Walsh.

Sky Sports’ commentator issued an apology for any potential offence caused to viewers while pro-Palestine banners were also unfurled in protest before the silence.

Some boos were audible from the travelling contingent as Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell made his way to the centre circle and laid down a wreath of poppies.

The stadium announcer than introduced the minute’s silence, leading some defiant Celtic supporters to begin singing and chanting.

Hoops supporters jeered during the pre-match show of respect on Remembrance Sunday

Boos were audible from the away end as both sides gathered in the centre circle at Rugby Park

The silence began on the referee’s whistle but the disruption continued – with Sky Sports even appearing to reduce the audio from the pitchside microphones.

Speaking post-match, a furious McInnes revealed his fury with the behaviour.

‘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 boss Brendan Rodgers was also disappointed with the reaction.

He said: ‘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. 

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 on Sunday

‘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.’

Celtic supporters also waved large Irish and Palestinian flags ahead of kick-off, as well as a banner bearing a message directed at the government. 

‘From Balfour to Starmer. The crimes of the empire live on. Britain is committing genocide in Gaza,’ the banner read, referencing the war in the Middle East.

Sky commentator Ian Crocker apologised to viewers after the vocal protest.

‘Sorry if you were offended for the disturbance to the silence,’ he said.