On this day in 1938, Celtic played one of the most defining games in the club’s history. The European Cup triumph of 1967 is undoubtedly the club’s greatest ever achievement and most defining match. However, being crowned champions of Britain in 1902 (British League Cup), 1938 (Empire Exhibition Cup), and 1953 (Coronation Cup) are triumphs which are possibly only bettered by our conquering of Europe. It certainly is prestigious to win trophies beyond the domestic game, particularly in one off competitions.
During the 1930s, countries like Germany and Italy became very militaristic and it seemed almost inevitable that war would eventually break out. A rise of far-right nationalism in these nations led to the Empire Exhibition being held in Glasgow in 1938, to showcase the British Empire and serve as a propaganda riposte to the vulgar ideology that was emanating from some parts of Europe. By extension, the Empire Exhibition Cup was held between four of the best football teams from England and Scotland. Ironically, given it’s association with the British Empire, Celtic won the trophy.
Having beaten Sunderland and Hearts, Celtic defeated Everton in the final – 84 years ago to this day. The match was held at Ibrox and 82,000 people packed into the old stadium.
Everton were a top team, littered with international stars and they would become champions of England the following season. Meanwhile, Celtic had a great side with a famous forward line of Delaney, Crum, MacDonald, Divers, Murphy.
Unsurprisingly, this match up made for a close affair and the game ended in a 0-0 draw, although Divers felt aggrieved to see his goal ruled out for offside. The contest would go to extra time and Celtic’s superior fitness showed as the Bhoys took charge of the additional 30 minutes. The telling blow would come in the 96th minute through Johnny Crum, whose strike from 15 yards could not be kept out despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to it. The English team didn’t give a great response, but Boyes headed the ball past Joe Kennaway, only for the goal to rightly be disallowed for offside.
The full time whistle sounded with Celtic declared champions of Britain by way of a 1-0 victory. The British Empire was then showcased by the Celtic support, who sang an array of Irish Nationalist ballads!
The trophy was a silver replica of Tait Tower – “a model of the tower was football’s prize.” It sits in the cabinet at Paradise to this day and was a great reward, alongside the £2591 that the club received for the matches they had played. (equivalent of approximately £122,000 in today’s money).
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— The Celtic Star Editor (@CelticStarMag) June 10, 2022
