Celtic fans boo Ibrox minute's silence before Old Firm derby vs Rangers

02 January 2023 , 12:52

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A minute's silence was held at Ibrox before kick-off (Image: Matthew Ashton - AMA/Getty Images)

A section of Celtic supporters booed a minute's silence in remembrance of the Ibrox disaster victims before the Old Firm derby against Rangers.

Before kick-off between the two Glasgow rivals, there was a scheduled silence to commemorate the Ibrox disaster of 1971, as well as the deaths of Celtic icon Frank McGarvey, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and Brazil legend Pele. But the silence was cut short after just 34 seconds at Ibrox after members of the away fans could be heard booing.

Rangers fans could then been seen expressing their anger at the away supporters for interrupting the gesture. The match kicked off at 12.30pm and saw Celtic take an early lead through Daizen Maeda in the fifth minute.

Players and fans of both teams stood at the Commemorative Service for the Ibrox Disaster (Getty Images)

On this day in 1971 there was a crush among the crowd at the Old Firm derby, which led to 66 deaths and more than 200 injuries. Earlier on Monday, Rangers' honorary life president, John Greig and the Directors of Rangers and Celtic gathered for a short service in memory of those who died 52 years ago.

The Ibrox Disaster happened on an exit stairway at the stadium on January 2, 1971. It was the worst British football disaster until the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

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Before the game Celtic issued a statement to their 700 away fans. It read: “Please note that prior to kick-off at Ibrox there will be a minute’s silence to remember the victims of the Ibrox Disaster.

"In a week where a number of important figures have sadly passed away, we will also remember Celtic great, Frank McGarvey, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and footballing legend Pele, as the Celtic first team will wear black armbands as a mark of respect and tribute. Further tributes will be paid at our next home match at Celtic Park on January 7.”

A memorial service was held before the game (Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Former Celtic and St Mirren forward McGarvey died on New Year's Day aged 66. "The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Frank's family at this extremely sad time," Celtic said in a statement.

The football world has been united in its mourning of Pele, who died on December 29, aged 82. The legendary Brazil striker lifted the World Cup trophy in 1958, 1962 and 1970 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of all time.

Former Pope Benedict XVI died aged 95 on New Year's Eve, almost a decade after he stood down because of ailing health. He led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years until, in 2013.

Felix Keith