Today’s photo of the day shows Celtic fans enjoying themselves in Barcelona before a Champions League knockout match on 4 March 2008.
The fans had travelled in their droves, drank the city dry and created a brilliant atmosphere all day. The Catalan press praised the Hoops for their behaviour and “lessons in civility” as they mingled with locals throughout the afternoon.
Despite the positivity spread by the Celtic support, which was also noted in the Spanish media in comparison to the hooliganism shown by Rangers fans a few months earlier, a Scottish journalist attempted to cause trouble by making claims against the fans. That claim was laughed out of court, rubbished by UEFA and both clubs. In response, Celtic released a statement which hit back at the accuser and said: “This was simply an attempt by a journalist to manufacture a story and tarnish the good name of Celtic Football Club.”
Sadly, there was to be no repeat of the jubilation seen in 2004 or the other Nou Camp draw in 2005, as Celtic fell to a narrow 1-0 loss. The goal was scored by Xavi in the second minute.