Given the usual home/away nature of European football, it is no surprise that Celtic have played many clubs in at least two countries. However, in some cases, it has happened in even more locations than this…
The two teams ahead of kick-off Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia. Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
Last week, Celtic played Crvena Zvezda (better known as Red Star Belgrade). In doing so, this marked the fifth country in which Celtic have faced the Serbian team (technically, at least).
Celtic first met Red Star in 1968, beating them 5-1 in Glasgow and then drawing 1-1 in Belgrade, which was then classed as Yugoslavia. In 1977, the Bhoys took part in a world tour which included games against Red Star in Singapore and also Australia.
Jock Stein with the trophy after a 2-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in Australia on 31 July 1977. Photo The Celtic Wiki
Last week, the Celts’ Europa League campaign began in Belgrade. Although this is a city where Celtic have previously faced Red Star, in fact it is now classed as Serbia, making it a fifth official country.
This is not the first team that Celtic have played in five different countries, and it is not even a club record. Another team that the Bhoys have played in five countries is Liverpool.
Like Red Star, Celtic have faced the English side on three different continents. There have been numerous competitive and friendly games between the sides in England and Scotland. In 2004, the Celts lost to the Anfield side in the USA but nine years later the Hoops gained a 1-0 win in Dublin.
John Hartson of Celtic scores the second goal during the Liverpool v Glasgow Celtic UEFA Cup Quarter Final, Second Leg match at Anfield in Liverpool, England on March 20, 2003. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Some more high profile matches between the clubs in the 1980s took them to another location. With English clubs banned from Europe between 1985 and 1990, a Dubai Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates, pairing the English and Scottish champions. Celtic twice played the Reds, with each team claiming one victory.
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