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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Robbie Hanratty

'Always difficult': Brendan Rodgers responds to Celtic Remembrance Day fan protest

Brendan Rodgers found himself having to justify the actions of some Celtic fans after many inside the away end disrupted a minute's silence held in honour of Remembrance Day before their league match against Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The incident raised eyebrows as supporters sang and booed during a moment intended for reflection.

Despite the off-field controversy, Celtic kept up their unbeaten start to the domestic campaign, with Callum McGregor and Nicolas Kuhn both finding the net, securing a vital victory that propelled the champions back to the top of the Scottish Premiership.

As Kilmarnock captain Kyle Vassell approached the centre of the Rugby Park pitch carrying a wreath, the atmosphere shifted.

Sky Sports' microphones picked up the unmistakable sound of loud booing from the away section, which contrasted starkly with the solemnity of the occasion. 

Referee Nick Walsh attempted to maintain decorum by blowing his whistle to signal the start of the silence, but the moment was quickly overshadowed by chants from the Celtic supporters, prompting him to bring the tribute to an abrupt end.

In the aftermath, Rodgers was questioned about the fans' actions during this significant moment and whether those who wished to pay their respects were given a fair opportunity to do so.

The Celtic manager expressed his thoughts on the situation, emphasising the importance of remembrance while acknowledging the passionate nature of the club's supporters and their history.


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"Yes, they should," Rodgers insinuated. "If it's a minute's silence, it's a minute's silence.

"Of course there is a little bit of issue around that each year for us when you do that, but yeah it's always a difficult one that every year.

"But thankfully we get the win on the football side and thankfully we go into the break in a really good place."

On the victory, Rodgers said: "Obviously we had to deal with a lot of pressure and direct balls, and deal with a lot of duels.

"But to keep a clean sheet and work that hard, especially after midweek, then show moments of quality to get goals, I'm very proud of the team.

"They play a pressure game, and we had to be strong and aggressive and show our spirit and to get the three points is very pleasing.

"A year ago, that result would maybe have gone the other way, but that was a real test of some different qualities and we came through it so it shows the team is in a good place."

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