Season 1986-87 was a calamitous one which saw Celtic beat Rangers only once (3-1) in five efforts, including the Glasgow Cup, and Rangers were in the throes of an Ibrox revolution under Graeme Souness.
Rangers player Mo Johnston (c) makes his way onto the pitch behind Richard Gough for his debut in a pre season friendly against Tottenham Hotspur at Ibrox in August, 1989, Johnston became the first high profile Catholic to play for Rangers, moving from Glasgow Celtic. (Photo by Allsport/Getty Images)
David Murray’s now-tarnished checkbook brought in Chris Woods, Terry Butcher, Jimmy Nicholl, Colin West and Graham Roberts. More internationalists were to follow. Little did we know this era would herald in Rangers’ demise, but they won the league and beat Celtic 2-1 in the League Cup Final.
He got sent off against Rangers then blessed himself
At the end of that final, Maurice Johnston was sent off for the hoops, and on the way off the park, blessed himself in front of the baying Ibrox support who despised the iconic Celt. That gesture cemented him into the hearts of many of the faithful, others saw it as petulant. I was just sick that we lost to the enemy.
1989: Mo Johnson during the Skol Cup final match between Aberdeen and Rangers at Hampden Park. Aberdeen won the match 2-1. Photo: AllsportUK /Allsport
Johnston was an icon at Celtic, famously dying his long locks a shade of blonde, and embracing his status as, ‘One of us’ by playing to the green gallery. We were proved wrong. Nantes made a bid for Mo, and off he trotted to France to leave his supporters crestfallen. Little did we know…!
Some player he was.
But, no, zero chance of forgiveness.
I can still picture him wearin the Celtic top and smilin for the cameras as if he’d signed for us again.
Devastated when he U turned.
The hurt we all felt, & still feel, at that betrayal shows just how good a player he was.
Similar to wee MacGeady no playin for Scotland. If he wasnae a good player, we wouldnae care.
Will never forgive that man never
Can never forgive or forget that ultimate betrayal but maybe you go have to admire the coup from Rangers
Good read Eddie, I’m another non forgiver re Petite Merde.
PS. Glasgow to London is about 420 miles, not 800.
Whats with this “Flymo ” pish his name is JUDAS .
It wasn’t really about him … although I detest his type of character… it is what he done to Billy… a more honest man you couldn’t meet … so to see Johnstone sitting sniggering with Souness after back stabbing a man that put his faith in him is what got me… how much of a fool Billy must have felt for trusting him … he’s a weasel and Souness is a con man and Johnstone will always be celebrated by the other side for what he done to a manager, club and fans that believed in him… he was used in as pawn in Sounesses humiliation of Celtic…but I’m sure he can live with hime=self that type always can ???
Not forgiven but the Judas rat is well forgotten.
What sort of man gives his word one week to the legend that was Billy McNeill , then hasn’t got the manners to tell the man he has changed his mind. Made all of the Celtic hierarchy look like fools. Has never apologised for taking the 1 million pieces of silver signing on fee. He will never be forgiven. Utter scumbag
I couldn’t care less about Mo Johnston. I’m sure he has his regrets in life as most of us do. It’s all about the future and, as a Celtic supporter, Mo Johnston is not part of it so there is very little value in going over that whole episode.