A strange atmosphere pervaded the Glasgow derby last weekend. Before the game, there was an anticipation that this could be one of the very best atmospheres witnessed at Celtic Park. Victory, all but clinching the title, should then have translated to a raucous occasion, yet it wasn’t the case.
@CelticFC and @liam_mcgrandles with Grace before kickoff 💚🍀 pic.twitter.com/Q7JOygqtbb
— Andrew 😁 (@liviman71) May 11, 2024
Ahead of kick off, the support gave a rousing rendition of Grace followed by an ear splitting version of You’ll Never Walk Alone. The first ten minutes were thunderous as songs like the Celtic Symphony reverberated around Parkhead and an early goal almost arrived. Each attack was met with a roar, and every corner won merited a battle cry.
Celtic FC is our strength, our inspiration, our motivation and our love! 💪💚 Hail Hail! 🍀🍀#CelticFC #CELRAN #cinchPrem #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/sjA28kll5q
— Ilir Meta (@ilirmetazyrtar) May 12, 2024
Play settled slightly and the atmosphere settled with it. Then came the goal and Paradise erupted. Another followed moments later, but just as the atmosphere was in the process of being relit, theRangers pegged one back and killed the noise.
A brief spell of celebration welcomed in the break as the opposition were reduced to ten men, but the second 45 minutes were as quiet as I’ve heard Celtic Park on derby day.
I can honestly say in all my years I’ve never witnessed a greater Walk On at Celtic Park than this 💚 Privileged to be a part of it. 🇮🇪🍀 pic.twitter.com/MOlxavbHoL
— TG67 (@TonyGreen67) May 11, 2024
Nervous tension seemed to grip the fans, perhaps a response to the team being a bit casual on the ball, missing a penalty and not putting the game to bed. However, to be winning 2-1 against ten men, in a title decider against your biggest rivals, is to be in a position whereby the stadium would normally be bouncing.
Not every game can be won by three or more goals.
Nevertheless, the game was won and the crowd rediscovered their collective voice at full time to mark another title triumph.
Hopefully the stadium is back to its best next season, and the team is also enhanced as we look to push on to bigger things.
Liam Kelly
Too many folk go to the game to moan and complain, loosing the plot if we’re mot3up in 15 minutes.The crowd made the team nervous 2nd half, back the team, trust the team and manager. We would be better with half the crown not there.
‘half the crown’? Better no crown at all! Up the Republic!