“Celtic Never Had it So Good” Hoops Gatecrash Opening Party at the Newly Completed Ibrox

Forty years ago, they had just completed their rebuild at Ibrox, all stands were now open and the visitors on their big day were Celtic, who had just beaten Juventus in the European Cup on the Wednesday before this match. What could possibly go wrong?

Celtic players celebrate Murdo’s winner against Juventus

The Celtic fans were out in force in the Free Broomloan, the Enclosure (where I was) and even in their brand new Govan stand, much to the annoyance of the Bears and indeed the Polis. “Ye Cannae Sell Yer Tickets” was heard from the Celtic fans…

The Celtic team, as selected by manager Billy McNeill was as follows: Bonner, McGrain, Reid, Aitken McAdam, MacLeod, Provan, Sullivan, McGarvey, Burns and McCluskey. The two substitutes were Moyes and Nicholas.

The attendance was 40,900 with maybe 40% being Celtic fans.

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

1 Comment

  1. I remember it well. The travel agency on crookston rd was a ticket agent for them and almost every tim i knew from school bought one there but it was for their end of the enclosure but cops let us in to Celtic side which was a great place to watch the game as we got right next to the tunnel and you could see their misery at very close hand and we even had Celtic fans above in their old main stand. I can still picture Andy Cameron’s face at the end. HH