The late, great Celtic Historian David Potter’s Celtic Diary each morning on The Celtic Star looks back at key Celtic events and matches on this day starting on 17th December 1892…
SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 1892 – Celtic have rare visitors in the 7th King’s Royal Volunteers for today’s Scottish Cup tie. In spite of it being “pleasant football weather”, (Celtic’s last two games have been postponed because of wintry conditions) only a “meagre turn-out” is there to see Celtic against the “sodgers”. It turns out to be a mismatch as Celtic win 7-0 with five goals from Johnny Madden and one each from Jimmy Blessington and Johnny Campbell.
SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 1910 – Dispelling the belief that this Celtic team are now past their best, Celtic beat Kilmarnock 2-0 today with goals from the old reliables Jimmy Quinn and Jimmy McMenemy. The General Election (held over a fortnight in 1910) seems to be producing the same “hung” Parliament as the January one did, so it is clear that the Irish Nationalists are going to have an important role to play in keeping the Liberals in power in return for Home Rule for Ireland.
WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 1969 – The extent of Celtic’s victory over Dundee United surprises everyone, and there are some fine goals in the 7-2 victory on a wet pitch where the snow has just recently melted. Bertie Auld is superb and scores the first goal before the crowd have settled down. Further goals come from Harry Hood, Tommy Gemmell (with a penalty), John Hughes, Bobby Murdoch and two from Willie Wallace. It is a fine display of attacking football.
SATURDAY 17 DECEMBER 1983 – At a dreich and rainy Tynecastle, 15,298 fans see Celtic record a good victory over the home side. Brian McClair scores twice and the other goal is scored by Jim Dobbins who comes on as a substitute for Murdo MacLeod.
40 years ago today, Hearts 1:3 Celtic.
Brian McClair(2) and Jim Dobbin. @BrianMcClair13 pic.twitter.com/7hhZMj42ax
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe785) December 17, 2023
SUNDAY 17 DECEMBER 2006 – Celtic are denied a victory at Ibrox by a late Rangers equaliser when Hemdani scored in the 88th minute after Thomas Gravesen had put Celtic ahead. A defeat would probably have killed Rangers chances of the League Championship, but this gives them a slight hope. Celtic remain 16 points ahead, and Aberdeen in any case are between Celtic and Rangers.
17th December 2006, Rangers 1:1 Celtic.
Gravesen goal and Neil Lennon denied one of the clearest penalties you will ever see. pic.twitter.com/4kq62DIr3u
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe785) December 17, 2023
David Potter
17th December 2009, Rapid Vienna 3:3 Celtic.
3 down after 20 minutes but goals from Fortune(2) and McGowan earn a draw. pic.twitter.com/S2XSP8QpJV
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe785) December 17, 2023
17th December 2016, Celtic 2:1 Dundee.
Griffiths and Bitton. pic.twitter.com/meZVcmjrRj
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe785) December 17, 2023
17th December 2017, Celtic's record run of 69 domestic games unbeaten came to an end at Tynecastle. pic.twitter.com/cqKQFL38T0
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe785) December 17, 2023
A year ago today, Aberdeen 0:1 Celtic.
McGregor with an excellent winner in the first game back after the World Cup break. pic.twitter.com/F74eWvnMqg
— Li'l Ze (@LilZe785) December 17, 2023
