Celtic supporters are preparing a powerful protest at Rugby Park on Sunday, with the 12th man absent for the opening 12 minutes of the clash against Kilmarnock.
This planned walk-in follows weeks of growing unrest and frustration aimed at the club’s leadership. Fans point to the board’s failure to respond to an Open Letter signed by over 400 supporters, as well as a consultation meeting where concerns over direction, ambition and transparency were laid bare.
The supporters involved have stressed the protest is not aimed at Brendan Rodgers or the players. The action is intended to underline that while the fans remain fully behind the team, they believe strong and visible steps must be taken to challenge the board’s running of the club.
Organisers made clear that once the stands are filled after the 12th minute, the team will receive their full and vocal support. It’s part of the action that was decided on at last night’s meeting which CeltsAreHere attended. The idea of it being a late walk-in was much better than an early walk-out so they could back the team for most of the game.
“At Sunday’s match v Kilmarnock, Celtic’s 12th man will enter the stand on the 12th minute to remind the Celtic FC board that it exists.
“This bold visual and vocal protest follows the recent Open Letter signed by 420 signatories which the board has failed to respond to; and a consultation meeting with these signatories.
“As a collective of fans, we wish no detriment to the team but believe necessary steps must be taken to demonstrate our discontent and remind the board that ‘football is nothing without fans.’
“Once we enter the stand, the team will receive vociferous backing. It’s part of the action that was decided on at last night’s meeting which CeltsAreHere attended. The idea of it being a late walk-in was much better than an early walk-out so they could back the team for most of the game.”
The decision reflects the delicate balance many Celtic supporters are trying to strike. There is deep anger at how the club is being managed, particularly around transfers and European ambition, but also a determination not to undermine Rodgers and his squad.
Late Entry Protest v Kilmarnock
On Sunday, stay outside until the 12th minute to demonstrate your discontent of the board. pic.twitter.com/yvWrZ8NFw5
— North Curve Celtic (@NCCeltic) September 11, 2025
By choosing 12 minutes of absence, fans hope to deliver a symbolic reminder of their influence, while keeping the rest of the match as a show of unity with the players. The gesture highlights the growing gap between boardroom decisions and supporter expectations.
This protest is expected to be only the beginning of a wider campaign. With the Green Brigade and other groups now organised and aligned, further actions are likely unless the board offers answers to the demands set out in the Open Letter.
Sunday at Rugby Park will therefore carry more weight than just points on the board. For Celtic, the match will unfold in a unique atmosphere, one shaped as much by the 12 minutes of silence as by the 78 minutes of noise that follow.
United with the manager and team but telling the board to gtf, love it!
So let me get this right. Fans are forking out money to watch a game of football and are electing to miss the first 12 minutes. That is just plain daft. The correct way is not to buy the ticket in the first place and vote with your feet. For me, the Europa Cup games are the place to do it. Don’t buy those tickets and send a proper message to the directors. No point in boycotting games you have already paid for.