Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
Prince William was in the stands for a football match where one set of fans began shouting anti monarchist messages that are a regular of their crown behaviour.
The Prince of Wales is an avid Aston Villa fan and his team met Glasgow Celtic in a Champions League match mid week. Villa were already expecting some sectarian singing – Celtic supporters are known for their stance against the Monarchy.
Celtic fans shouted throughout the match, including “if you hate the Royal Family, clap your hands”. They also sang “Lizzie’s in a box” and supporters hung a flag of Michael Fagan, a man who broke into the late Queen’s bedroom in 1982.
The club’s supporters have historically been Catholics from Scotland and Ireland and have advocated loudly for the abolishment of the monarchy.
The Prince of Wales chose to ignore the loud taunts, though, focusing his energy on Villa’s efforts on the pitch.
Aston Villa beat Celtic 4-2 in a thrilling game. William has been a long-time Villa fan, attending many of their matches over the years. He could not contain his excitement when Villa scored with a loud cheer on his feet.
After Aston Villa’s victory, fans sang “God Save the King” and some had already hung British flags in the stands.
The most offensive chants have become a regular with some Scottish and Irish fans in recent months. At the Euro 2024 Championships, Scottish fans sang about the death of Queen Elizabeth II at their opening game against Germany.
Celtic could now face sanctions for their fans behaviour with the possibility of supporters who sang offensive material at the game being barred from attending the team’s next Champions’ League match which will be against either Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.