Frantic efforts were made to save those caught up in the events. Ambulances from across Glasgow sped to Ibrox, and makeshift casualty stations were set up in the dressing rooms. There were even accounts of Celtic supporters’ buses helping take injured people to hospital.
The two clubs also played their part. In later times, the Rangers boss Willie Waddell said that the sight of Celtic trainer Benny Rooney trying to resuscitate dead fans by giving them the kiss of life was one that would haunt him for the rest of his life.
Other Celtic officials such as Jock Stein and Neilly Mochan gave help and first aid to those injured in the events. Stein also later criticised some journalists that tried to ask him questions about the game itself, rather than events off-the-field.
As the wail of sirens dominated the Glasgow night, news of the tragedy slowly began to emerge. The vast majority of fans had left the ground unaware that anything untoward had occurred. Most assumed that the ambulances and police cars were simply intervening in a fan fight somewhere.
There was fear and worry for those at home who waited on their loved ones’ return. Many supporters went to the pub or elsewhere. In the days before social media and mobile phones, this meant their families fretted until contact was made – and this was true whether they had gone to the game wearing blue or green.
55years on and all both sets of supporters are worried about is the result of a game between two poor teams.
R I P.
Hail Hail.