The story of Celtic visiting United States and Canada

CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 1957

Six years later, the Celts were again on the move. Their third Atlantic trip took the team to Canada and the USA. Eight games were played, with five wins, one draw and two defeats.

In half of these matches, Celtic’s opponents were Tottenham Hotspur, who were also on a US tour. Another opponent – the Philadelphia Uhrik Truckers – surely have one of the longest names of any Celtic opponent.

The trip must have been good for the team. Months after returning to Scotland, they achieved a British record cup final score as they hammered Rangers 7-1 to win the League Cup.

CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 1966

Celtic’s famous summer tour that helped shape the Lisbon Lions. The Bhoys went to the USA, Canada and Bermuda.

Across 11 games, Celtic won eight and drew three, failing to be defeated at any point. They also scored a huge 47 goals whilst conceding only six!

Celtic history books record this trip as being key to the Bhoys’ 1966-67 success as it helped the players bond, ensuring they went on to win all five competitions they entered.

The following year, another Atlantic journey did involve the USA, Canada or Mexico, but it was a best-forgotten infamous moment as the Celts lost to the violence of Racing Club in the Intercontinental Cup.

CELTIC IN THE USA, CANADA AND MEXICO – 1968

Celtic’s next transatlantic journey was a more peaceful affair that took them to the USA, Canada and Mexico. Celtic played three games during this time.

The Bhoys twice met AC Milan, drawing and winning these games. In the second match – played in Toronto – Celtic’s 2-0 victory meant they claimed the first C.N.E. Cup of Champions trophy, which can still be seen at Celtic Park.

Celtic lost 3-2 to Necaxa in their game in Mexico City but it was still notable to play in the world-famous Azteca Stadium.

CELTIC IN THE USA AND CANADA – 1970

Just days after the 1970 European Cup Final, Celtic went to the USA, Canada and Bermuda. Playing seven games, Celtic won four, drew two and lost one.

Most matches were played against European sides: Man Utd, Bari and Eintracht Frankfurt.

The second Bari game – part of the Toronto Cup – was abandoned in farcical circumstances. Bari had three men sent off and then the rest walked off the pitch when Celtic won an 87th minute penalty.

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