Celtic fans held over ‘minute’s silence assault’

TWO Celtic fans were arrested for an alleged assault during a minute’s silence for Remembrance Sunday before the team’s match against Aberdeen yesterday.

The minute of reflection, which remembers British servicemen and women who have died in conflicts since the First World War began 100 years ago, was interrupted by some fans shouting and singing from the visiting section at Aberdeen’s Pittodrie Stadium.

Police said two men, aged 32 and 55, were charged with assault following a “minor disturbance in the away fans’ section during the minute silence”.

Two other men, aged 24 and 29, were arrested elsewhere in the stadium during the match for other offences.

Superintendent Innes Walker said: “The overwhelming majority of the sell-out crowd from all sections of the ground respected the minute silence and behaved impeccably throughout the entire game.

“Police Scotland will continue to work with Aberdeen Football Club to improve the matchday experience for all spectators but fans must be aware that any form of unacceptable behaviour will be dealt with firmly, as it would in any other part of the fine city of Aberdeen.”

Speaking after his side’s 2-1 victory, Celtic manager Ronny Deila said it was “disappointing”.

“But again 99 per cent was good, sometimes some people are not respectful,” he added.

“It’s very, very important for Celtic to be respectful.”

The issue has proved controversial in the past, with a group of Celtic fans staging a banner protest against the “blood-stained poppy on our hoops” when the club strip carried the symbol for a game four years ago.

Celtic FC Foundation, the club’s charity organisation, this week donated £10,000 to Poppyscotland and carried a story on their website detailing the Celtic players who died during the First World War.