Livingston manager David Martindale revealed the first half chant from Celtic FC fans that need to be investigated

• Livingston manager David Martindale has revealed that a chant sung by Celtic FC supporters during the first half of their recent Scottish Premiership encounter should be investigated, reigniting the ongoing debate around fan behaviour, accountability, and the responsibilities of clubs in modern football.

Speaking candidly after the match, Martindale confirmed that he had raised concerns with match officials about what he described as a “disturbing and unacceptable” chant that could be clearly heard from sections of the away support during the opening 45 minutes. While he stopped short of repeating the exact wording in public, the Livingston boss made it clear that the content crossed a line and warranted closer scrutiny from the relevant authorities.

Martindale stressed that his comments were not an attack on Celtic as a club or on their fanbase as a whole, but rather a call for consistency and fairness when it comes to dealing with inappropriate behaviour in Scottish football. He pointed out that managers, players, and clubs are often held to strict standards for their conduct and language, and supporters should not be exempt from similar expectations.

“There are rules in place for a reason,” Martindale explained. “If something is deemed unacceptable when it comes from a player or a manager, then it has to be treated the same way when it comes from the stands. You can’t pick and choose when to apply standards.”

The incident has quickly sparked reaction across the Scottish game. Celtic are known for having one of the largest and most passionate followings in the country, and their supporters are often praised for creating an electric atmosphere. However, that same passion can occasionally tip into controversy, particularly when chants touch on sensitive subjects or target individuals in a way that goes beyond football rivalry.

Martindale’s comments also highlighted the difficult position managers and players find themselves in during matches. With the noise and intensity of a packed stadium, chants can have a real impact on those on the pitch and in the technical area. Livingston players, he suggested, were aware of the chant and found it distracting during a crucial period of the game.

From a wider perspective, this situation raises familiar questions for the Scottish FA and the SPFL. In recent seasons, there has been increased emphasis on tackling unacceptable conduct, including discriminatory or offensive chanting. Clubs have been fined, warned, and in some cases sanctioned, but critics argue that enforcement remains inconsistent.

Supporters of Celtic have responded in mixed fashion. Some have dismissed Martindale’s claims as an attempt to deflect attention from the football itself, while others have acknowledged that certain chants, even if sung by a minority, damage the club’s reputation and give ammunition to critics. There is also a growing sense among many fans that self-policing within supporter groups is becoming more important as scrutiny increases.

For Livingston, the focus now shifts back to football, but Martindale was clear that this issue should not simply be brushed aside. He believes that investigating the chant is not about punishment for the sake of it, but about protecting the integrity of the game and ensuring a safe, respectful environment for everyone involved.

“If we want Scottish football to move forward, we have to be honest about these things,” he said. “Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away.”

Whether the authorities decide to formally investigate remains to be seen, but Martindale’s remarks have ensured the issue will not quietly disappear. Once again, the spotlight is on the balance between passionate support and acceptable behaviour, a line Scottish football continues to wrestle with both on and off the pitch.

between passionate support and acceptable behaviour, a line Scottish football continues to wrestle with both on and off the pitch.