THERE is not a lot of football being played right now across the world as Coronavirus takes hold – except Belarus, where vodka and saunas are meant to keep the virus at bay. However, thanks to @Lilze85 on Twitter, we can take a trip down memory lane and look at some of Celtic’s goals on this day. Celtic sealed the Treble back in 1969 after a brilliant display to put Rangers to the sword at Hampden.
1969 – CELTIC 4 RANGERS 0
Celtic won the Scottish Cup in emphatic style, defeating Rangers 4-0 at Hampden Park to clean-sweep the Scottish football honours for the 1968-69 season. Here is the Celtic Wiki’s brilliant review of the game:
“Jock Stein won the tactical battle over Davie White which led to an emphatic Celtic victory. Rangers complained beforehand about the suspension of star striker Colin Stein but Celtic were missing first choice wingers Jimmy Johnstone, also with suspension, and John Hughes through injury.
“Stein’s master stroke was to play wide men Connelly and Auld as deep lying midfielders which dragged the Rangers full backs forwards and left gaping gaps behind them for the speedy Chalmers and Lennox to exploit. It was the first real example of a Celtic side playing in a 4-4-2 formation.
“This was a rough game and tackles were described as ‘brutal’ afterwards. Brogan was unlucky to be the only player afield to be booked. Ferguson appeared to head butt Murdoch but with no punishment. Murdoch, Auld, McNeill and Wallace all had forceful games in the heat of battle on a bare, fiery pitch which was not suitable to subtle play.
“Celtic’s goals were memorable. McNeill’s early header set the tone and two goals on the stroke of half time killed the game. 19 year old Connelly’s goal was unforgettable, dispossessing Greig and rounding Martin easily to tap home. Lennnox raced clear to finish emphatically and Chalmers scored a classy goal on the break in the second half.
“This led to a beak from the Rangers end but the Police dealt with it effectively.
“No lap of honour was allowed at the end but when captain McNeill was presented with the cup instead of taking it down the steps he passed it back to each Celtic player who was then given their own personal rousing roar from 60,000 plus delirious Celtic fans in the stadium. This set a precedent which continued for years afterwards.
“This was one of Jock Stein’s greatest days as Celtic manager….and there were plenty of them.”
26th April 1969, Celtic beat Rangers 4:0 in the Scottish Cup Final to complete the Treble.
Billy McNeill, Bobby Lennox, George Connelly and Stevie Chalmers with the goals. pic.twitter.com/QSoGgsQj75
— Li’l Ze (@LilZe85) April 25, 2020
Also on this day…
1986 – CELTIC 2 DUNDEE 0
Goals from Brian McClair and Mo Johnston gave Celtic the victory over Dundee at Celtic Park.
26th April 1986, Celtic 2:0 Dundee.
McClair and Judas. @BrianMcClair13 pic.twitter.com/RtfHfMDMtL
— Li’l Ze (@LilZe85) April 25, 2020
Today marks the 34th anniversary of Chernobyl nuclear accident.
On April, 26 we remember how the life was before and changed afterwards. It is painful, but necessary — so we can be sure the same will not happen once more. pic.twitter.com/EnZOy0wTd9
— S.T.A.L.K.E.R. OFFICIAL (@stalker_thegame) April 26, 2020
2015 – DUNDEE UTD 0 CELTIC 3
Leigh Griffiths scored a hat-trick at Tannadice as Celtic dismissed Jackie McNamara’s side to win 3-0. The game put Celtic 8 points clear and they would win the league if they beat Dundee at Celtic Park and Aberdeen lost to United on the Saturday.
5 years ago today, Dundee Utd 0:3 Celtic.
Griffiths hattrick. @Leighgriff09 pic.twitter.com/WeOjsSd61A
— Li’l Ze (@LilZe85) April 25, 2020
INVINCIBLE by Matt Corr
The Celtic Star’s very own Matt Corr – who you may also know as a Tour Guide at Celtic Park – publishes his first Celtic book, titled INVINCIBLE – early next month. This beautiful hardback book will be the definitive story of Celtic’s magical2016-17 season – it truly is wonderful, a real joy to read, and brilliantly written by Matt.
If you have been reading Matt’s regular contributions on The Celtic Star or indeed in the Matchday Programme or in the Celtic View you will know just how talented a Celtic writer he is. The book is published by The Celtic Star and you can pre-order below.
Support Celtic Youth Development
Help raise money for Celtic Youth Development by joining the £1 weekly lottery and you could win up to £25,000 – just click the photograph below to join. Lots of our readers have already done so and they’re now doing their bit to help fund Celtic Youth Development that can deliver the stars of tomorrow and beyond. And you might even win a few bob too! And a special thank you to all The Celtic Star readers who have already signed up and are now supporting youth development to give us the Celtic Stars of the future…
