The remarkable story of Celtic’s six-in-a-row from 1905-10

1908-09

With memories of the previous season still fresh, Celtic again had high hopes for the coming months. Whilst 1908-09 brought success, it was not on the same scale as the year before. In fact, one of those trophies would not be won by anyone.

By the end of the season, Celtic had lost two cup finals. The Glasgow Cup went to Third Lanark, who beat Celtic in a second replay, and it was Rangers who left Celtic Park with the Charity Cup. But the most infamous of all the finals came in the Scottish Cup.

In this era, penalty kicks had not been invented, and so drawn finals went to replays. The usual practice was that extra time was only used in the second replay. This caused suspicions amongst fans that games would be deliberately drawn so replays could take place and more money be raised.

On 10 April 1909, Celtic were again in the Scottish Cup Final, hoping to win it for a third successive season. Their opponents were Rangers. The first match ended 2-2; Celtic had taken the lead but ultimately needed a late equaliser to stay in the tie.

Then came the replay, which was held one week later. Again, tens of thousands went to Hampden, although the crowd was smaller than the week before. This time, Rangers took the lead until an equaliser from Jimmy Quinn made it 1-1, which was the final score.

At this point, chaos descended. Fans had believed that there would be extra time, but instead another replay was needed. This was too much for supporters, and a massive riot began. It saw huge destruction at Hampden, including arson and cutting up the pitch. There were also attacks on the police and fire brigade.

By the time the police had cleared the scene, the scale of the devastation became clear. When the SFA met to discuss the matter on the following Monday; both clubs said they did not want another replay. Instead, the cup was withheld for that year, and Celtic hopes of a third double came to an end.

Despite these shocking events, Celtic could at least still claim their fifth successive title. On the final day of the league season, Celtic went to Douglas Park in Hamilton. The Bhoys were only a point clear of nearest challengers Dundee and so needed a victory to confirm their position as champions.

A first-half goal from Hamilton – that is Celtic’s player David, not Hamilton Accies! – relaxed the Bhoys, and a second half shot from McMenemy doubled the advantage. Despite a very late goal from the home men, with almost the last kick of the ball, Celtic claimed victory, and thus their fifth title in a row.

In a momentous season, this was another huge achievement for the Bhoys.

Continues on the next page…