A fiery encounter against Hearts in 1989…

Celtic has had so many memorable and some forgettable games against today’s opponents Hearts. One such memorable encounter was back in March 1989 in a Scottish Cup quarter final tie at Celtic Park.

It was a wet, blustery day and as it was a cup tie it was anyone’s game such was the talent that the Jambos possessed in their ranks back in an era when Scottish football was a more competitive environment.

One of those players was future Celtic player Tosh McKinlay who was sent off alongside teammate Alan McLaren and our very own Mick McCarthy in a badly tempered game that at one point seen literally every single player involved in an all out brawl in the middle of the park.

One incident that went unseen by the officials later on in the game was when John Roberson punched Tommy burns flush on the face as play raged on. I can vividly remember the moment having seen it with my nine year old eyes at the other end of stadium and have had a disliking for Robertson ever since!

During this hotly contested match referee David Syme also had to be treated for a leg injury! Such was the ferocity of the game! His old legs must have been struggling to keep up!

As for the football itself Celtic prevailed against the nine men Jambos and won 2-1 to advance to the semi finals thanks to a Mark McGhee strike and a Roy Aitken penalty. Eammon Bannon pulled one back for Hearts, but it was Celtic who won this hotly contested, controversial Scottish Cup tie..

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

A 2-1 Scottish cup win against Hearts 1989. A game that proved to be a fiery encounter. pic.twitter.com/lxOilbtVfp

— JustAnOrdinaryBhoy (@ordinarybhoy) September 14, 2024