Minute Silence, Applause & Black Arm-bands

Miscellaneous

Details

Ref: Homage being paid to the deceased or an event.
aka: Minute’s silence, minute’s applause, Black Armbands
First usage: [….29 Aug 1903….?]

Summary

Originally done in honour of former players or Celtic staff who have recently passed away, it is a small unobtrusive gesture used by clubs to show their respect. Black armbands, minute silence or applause has become a notable part of the game with the supporter on the terrace given an opportunity to themselves pay their final respect.

It’s not always been like this, it has become an increasing modern trend. When Celtic Player Jackie Millsopp died prematurely in September 1952, his funeral was held in the morning and was attended by both Celtic & Rangers players & staff, with a match played between the two played later that day (albeit the atmosphere & crunch of the match was a more sombre affair due to the circumstances).

The Celtic players on 29th August 1903 wore a black armband to remember one of the clubs biggest supporters since its inception, the Irish Nationalist Hugh Murphy (who died 2 days before). It was on the same day that Celtic wore the Hoops for the very first time.

Whenever any major Celtic player has died, the minute silence has been a special time to reflect in unison for the support. When Billy McNeil died, it was very poignant, especially as it was the end of a long era, bringing back memories for all. Players also wear the black armbands, and on occasion only a black armband is worn for maybe personal reasons for any passing of a relative or friend.

There have been minute silences for not only former Celtic staff, but also on a wider scale for major figures in Scottish football and elsewhere in football (e.g. Hillsborough), but also politically related tributes which can be difficult. When US President JF Kennedy was killed, there was a minute silence held with infamously the Rangers fans abusing the minute tribute as JFK was Irish Catholic descent. Problem when minute silences are requested or enforced for figures that could be contentious or divisive, for example the Royal Family members.

Question is if football stadiums are appropriate places for these tributes? Certain major events are understandable to pay respect in some way, for example after the 2001 9/11 attacks in New York.

Up until the 1990’s, these marks of respect were most often a rare occurrence. However, it has been a mostly American media led import, where in America, there is quote a jingoistic culture surrounding these things, and this has fed through to the UK. Regardless, for any genuine causes its a decent thing to respect.

One major problem that has arisen, has been those outwith who have their own political agendas and decide to monitor the behaviour of supporters at these moments, and then just on a soapbox. It’s sadly turned out to be an opportunity to abuse for some outwith of the club. One journalist tried to claim a few Celtic fans abused a minute’s tribute to the Ibrox Tragedy dead with some loud coughing. It was nonsense, and really spoke poorly of him.

The Celtic board did a smart move in deciding to change from Minute Silences to applause, in line with many clubs on the mainland of Europe, and many have preferred it. In many ways, it becomes a way to celebrate a life rather than mourn it, and family members have appreciated the genuine tribute from the support.

Another issue has been that the minute silence has been devalued, and in its place either it’s been extended to longer. Doesn’t help matters.

[Minutes Applause – when introduced?]
[Minutes applause now >1min!]
[Political agendas from outside group[[Nauseating monitoring….]
[passing of former notable supporters….]

[John Thomson, Andy Goram black armband…., JFK, Ibrox disaster remembrance, Hillsborough, point scoring.]

[Decent respect for events historical etc….. e.g. Famine, Hillsborough, local tragedies]

Articles

Black Armbands worn by Celtic players the first game after John Thomson (RIP) died on the field playing for Celtic (1931)

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