Merry Christmas to one and all – Celtic’s festive fun 52 years ago

52 years ago today…

Merry Christmas everyone, hope Santa has been nice to you all despite the boos aimed at him last weekend!

Christmas is of course a time for giving and receiving. A time for celebrating with family and friends, but on this day 52 years ago Celtic supporters ditched some of the Yuletide celebrations to head to Paradise and cheer on the Hoops who were on league duty against Hearts.

Yes it’s hard to believe a football match could take place on The Saviour’s birthday, but back then, although not the norm it did happen from time to time.

Many made the tough decision of skipping part of the festivities to head to Celtic Park and back the Bhoys.

The 34,000 supporters who were brave enough to tell the missus they were skipping Christmas dinner had something to cheer about though as Jock Stein’s side triumphed to a 3-2 victory over the Jam Tarts.

Goals from Harry Hood, Jimmy Johnstone and Dixie Deans were enough to secure the points and although a late hearts goal made it a bit nervy, it was enough to give the supporters some extra Christmas cheer and made sure they could go home and enjoy the rest of the festive celebrations.

The victory consolidated our place at the top of the table and set us up nicely for a trip to Clyde on New Year’s Day followed by a home clash against Rangers two days later. In case you are wondering Celtic hammered Clyde 7-0 on New Year’s Day 1972 and two days later beat Rangers 2-1 at Celtic Park with the goals coming from Jimmy Johnstone and a last minute winner from Jim Brogan – giving him his finest moment as a Celtic player!

That was the fourth win from four against Rangers that season for Jock Stein’s side.