Celtic is mourning the passing of John Fallon, a lifelong Celt, former goalkeeper, and a member of the club’s historic 1967 European Cup-winning squad….
Though he didn’t take to the pitch that day in Lisbon, Fallon was Celtic’s designated substitute goalkeeper — a vital role in an era when only one substitution was permitted — and he stood ready in case of injury to Ronnie Simpson.
John Fallon’s story is one of loyalty, quiet contribution, and, for many years, unacknowledged sacrifice. But thanks to the late great David Potter, one of Celtic’s finest historians and authors, that story was brought to light — and justice was finally done.
In his 2019 Celtic Star article “John Gets His Medal At Last,” David told how Fallon, fully kitted beneath his tracksuit, was part of the matchday 12 for the final against Inter Milan. While he wasn’t called upon to play, Fallon’s role was genuine and essential. Just months later, he proved that readiness when he stepped in during that famously volatile game in Argentina after Simpson was injured by a missile.
At the post-match banquet in Lisbon, Fallon was handed a winner’s medal by captain Billy McNeill. But joy turned to dismay when Jock Stein, acting under orders, asked for the medal back — the then-Chairman wanted it for himself. It was, as Potter candidly described, “an injustice which some people might even call theft.”
Though a replica medal was eventually provided, it wasn’t until April 2019 that Celtic finally put things right. Then-CEO Peter Lawwell arranged for Fallon to receive an official UEFA winner’s medal — a long-overdue recognition of his place in that most iconic of squads. David Potter rightly praised the gesture, while ensuring the full story — uncomfortable as it was — was never forgotten.
John Fallon remained a familiar and beloved face at Celtic Park for decades. He was often seen outside the Superstore on matchdays, sharing stories, shaking hands, and speaking honestly — sometimes bluntly — about the club he loved. His humour, passion, and encyclopaedic knowledge of Celtic made him a favourite among fans, young and old.
John Hughes, John Fallon and Willie Wallace at the Greenock CSC in May 2017. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Fallon’s passing is deeply felt across the Celtic community. While three of his Lisbon teammates remain with us — Bobby Lennox, Jim Craig, and Willie Wallace (who was talking about John on The Celtic Star earlier today)— each loss from that iconic group is a reminder of how precious their legacy is.
The late David Potter, who passed away in 2023, made it his life’s work to honour and document Celtic’s history — as he did with the overlooked contributions of John Fallon. Thanks to his voice, and to the club’s eventual action, Fallon’s place in history was properly restored in his lifetime.
Now John Fallon rests with his medal — and with the knowledge that his story, like those of all the Lisbon Lions, will live on. And thanks to David Potter, we all understand why it matters.
Niall J
— JoeBloggsCity (@joebloggscity) April 28, 2019
Topped off an emotional day with my dad getting his origin medal from 67 yesterday . (Nails not mine ????)@CelticFC @sligotim pic.twitter.com/IznIiZDxwl
— Stephen Fallon (@sffallon1) April 28, 2019
Here’s David Potter’s article and if you haven’t read it, his book on John Fallon is a brilliant read, pretty sure it’s still available on Amazon…
John Gets His Medal At Last – David Potter
I think we were all delighted to see that John Fallon got his real medal at last. Full marks to Mr Lawwell for bringing this about. It put right an injustice, which some people might even call “theft”.
As you recall or as you have seen on You Tube if you are not old enough, circumstances dictated that there was no formal presentation of medals in that most disorganised of all European Cup finals. They simply could not cope with the Celtic fans, and Billy was, eventually given the European Cup without the other 10 men behind him. But wait a bit, that should be 11 men!
John Fallon technically played in that game. He was wearing his strip under that tracksuit, and would have taken over if Ronnie Simpson had been injured. Six months later, incidentally, in Argentina, he had to do just that after Ronnie was felled by a missile.
John Fallon, Celtic FC. Photo The Celtic Wiki
So Fallon was Celtic’s 12th man as goalkeeper substitutions were allowed in the European Cup of that year. He also played a great part in ensuring that Helenio Herrera got the second choice of team bench, he and some other reserves making sure that they got there first and kept the seat warm for Jock!
The game over, the teams met at the post match banquet. During this time Jock came up with a box, gave it to Billy McNeil who duly distributed the medals, including one for John Fallon.
OK so far, but then Stein came back and asked John to give his medal back.
Apparently, the Chairman was wanting it!
Yes, the Chairman who, until he admitted he was wrong in 1965 and brought back Jock Stein, had lead the club to relentless mediocrity, was wanting a European Cup medal!
And as he was the Chairman, he had to get what he wanted! John was later appeased when the club arranged to get another medal struck… but it wasn’t the real medal.
Peter Lawwell and John Fallon
So anyway, justice has now been done to John, a man whom you will see at virtually every Celtic game, home and away. He will probably be holding court to all and sundry outside the Superstore. He is not snobby and you will probably hear him before you see him. He will greet you in his jovial way, he will shake your hand or rather your hand will sink into his huge goalkeeper hand!
He will talk about Celtic past and present, and as they always say about all ex-Celts, he is just an ordinary man. His support of the team is by no means uncritical – he does not miss anyone and hit the wall – but it is genuine. His knowledge of the club is profound, and he now has his European Cup medal.
John Fallon is a great Celt.
David Potter
Read this – The backstory to Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter
Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered the late David Potter’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books. The link to pre-order your copy is below…
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.
