CELTIC yesterday announced that the widows of Lisbon Lions Billy McNeill and Stevie Chalmers will unfurl the flag on the opening day of the league season against St Johnstone.
Last season saw Celtic win our eighth successive league title and also our third treble in a row but the joy was also contrasted with the great sadness of losing Cesar, our captain in Lisbon and the man who held the European Cup aloft in the most iconic of all Celtic moments, and Stevie Chalmers, whose winning goal in the heat of Lisbon made it possible.
Yesterday Celtic announced on the club’s official website that the wives of Billy and Stevie, Liz McNeill and Sadie Chalmers had both accepted an invitation from the club Chairman to perform the unfurl ceremony of the Scottish Premiership Flag on Saturday 3 August against the Saints at Celtic Park.
Liz and Sadie, will be joined by family members and will attend the match as guests of the club, with both Liz and Sadie taking centre-stage as they help to launch Celtic’s domestic season in style.
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— Babs McMahon ???????????????? (@BarbaraMcMahon8) July 23, 2019
Ian Bankier, the Celtic Chairman recognises the importance of what both legends achieved for the club and is delighted that the two ladies have agreed to unfurl the flag as a further tribute from the club and supporters to the two Lisbon Lions.
“We were delighted to extend this invitation and, of course, are thrilled that Liz and Sadie have agreed to take part in this very important ceremony on 3 August.
“This landmark day will signify our eighth consecutive League title, a phenomenal achievement which we should all, as Celtic supporters, take huge pride in. Liz and Sadie themselves have been close to the club for decades and, given all that Billy and Stevie, two of our greatest ever players, gave to Celtic, it is very fitting that they will perform this role.
“Both Billy and Stevie gave everything to the club and as we celebrate another year of success and domestic domination for the club, we will also take time once again to remember the unique contribution which Billy and Stevie made to our great club – two men who themselves took Celtic to the top, time and time again ”
The wives of #CelticFC legends, Billy McNeill and Stevie Chalmers, will unfurl the Scottish Premiership flag ahead of the opening @spfl game of the season ????????
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— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 23, 2019
Peter Lawwell, Celtic’s Chief Executive believes it is an honour for the club to have Liz McNeill and Sadie Chalmers unfurling the flag.
“It is a huge honour for the club to have Liz and Sadie unfurl the Premiership Title flag on August 3, and I am sure they will receive a tremendous reception from our supporters, something they will deserve immensely.
“They have been in our thoughts and prayers ever since the terrible losses they experienced when Billy and Stevie passed away, and they and their families continue to receive our warmth and best wishes.
“I know the loss of both Billy and Stevie will still be very raw, but both Liz and Sadie will always be huge friends of the club and we wanted once again to pay tribute to their wonderful husbands, men who gave everything to Celtic.
“Billy and Stevie epitomised success, something we have once again delivered to our fans. We are sure Flag Day will once again be a fitting celebration, marking another great year for Celtic and also a day where we once again remember two Celtic greats with real affection.”
Celtic Supporters reacted on social media to this announcement with unanimous approval.
‘Lovely’, ‘Great gesture by the club’, ‘class’, ‘great tribute for the families’, ‘only fitting’, ‘lovely gesture’, ‘Quel magnifique club’, ‘touch of class, excellent Celtic’, ‘Looking forward to seeing the ladies’, ‘God bless Stevie and Billy,their names live on eternally,’ were just some of the comments from supporters.
Meanwhile Celtic are back in action in the Champions League qualifiers tonight against Estonia’s Champions Nomme Calju, a side few of us would have heard of until the last few weeks.
Neil Lennon is taking the threat they pose very seriously indeed – see HERE. Niall J previewed tonight’s game late last night on The Celtic Star, see below…
Celtic v Nomme Calju – No complacency, no arrogance just a fear of not winning
