Celtic Remembrance Sunday tribute Kilmarnock match, Digi Mart USA News (Glasgow, Scotland): Celtic have reached the international break still ahead of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, four points clear of the second-placed Ibrox side, who have a game in hand. They secured a narrow 1-0 Remembrance Sunday win over Kilmarnock at Parkhead.
Parkhead is unlike most places in the United Kingdom on Remembrance Sunday, and there was barely a single poppy visible among fans gathering outside the stadium before kick-off. It was the 13th time since 1974, when Celtic first played a Sunday fixture, that they had been in action on Remembrance Sunday itself, and the fifth time at home.
Many wondered beforehand whether a period of silence would be attempted at all, as the club’s matchday guide made no mention of the day’s significance.
The Tannoy announcer stated there would be “some moments” of silence to commemorate the war dead. The Green Brigade opted to stay outside, which the writer commends, taking the view that others could take part in the tribute if they wished.
However, many fans elsewhere in the stadium booed and jeered once referee John Beaton blew his whistle to start the tribute, and he ended it swiftly.
The tribute lasted just 13 seconds, well short of the minute that is customary on such occasions. The announcer had described the plan as a “few moments’ silence” rather than a full minute, but there was barely even that.
The writer wonders whether Beaton had been advised by the authorities to wrap things up quickly if booing started, and suggests he might have stood his ground and let the noise play out.
The article argues that the situation raises a difficult question: some Celtic supporters wished to pay their respects and there were plenty of them, and the Kilmarnock fans, though a small group, had every right to stand and remember relatives who made the greatest sacrifice. According to testimonies on Facebook and elsewhere, many inside the ground had wanted to observe a silence.
The writer notes that war remembrance is a recurring issue that embarrasses the club annually.
Beyond the tribute, post-match debate centred on Kasper Hogh’s Parkhead goal drought and Mika Baur’s worrying ankle injury. Luke McCowan also made his first home appearance for Celtic since being taken off at half-time against Rangers on 20 September, coming on for Benjamin Nygren with eight minutes left to help hold the 1-0 lead.
Earlier, he had struggled after a disastrous cameo against LASK in August as Celtic exited Champions League qualifying. He was cheered on by the crowd, and he saw an effort slip through Nico Mantl’s fingers, though the whistle had already gone for a foul.
Martin O’Neill did not address McCowan specifically after the match, but was asked about a squad that featured just one of the six late summer transfer deadline day signings, goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. Haissem Hassan was a notable omission.
O’Neill explained, somewhat mysteriously, that it was all to do with squad “manoeuvring”.
