Using football memories to mark the passage of time can be a scary activity. I did just that this morning, recalling that Celtic beat Rangers 3-0 on this date 10 years ago. The action is clear in my mind’s eye; every aspect of play etched in my memory as if the game only took place a season or two ago. The reality that a decade has actually passed since then is as surprising as it is alarming. However, it is a cracking day to look back on.
Celtic hosted Rangers in one of seven meetings between the clubs on 20 February 2011. A typically chaotic opening to proceedings delivered an early goal when Gary Hooper’s magnificent first touch left Davie Weir in his wake before he slotted between the legs of Allan McGregor.
A few minutes later, Hooper was at it again. This time he scored a great goal on the stretch after sensational wing play by Emilio Izaguirre. Kris Commons then rounded off the scoring in the second half with a long range effort.
At 3-0 it really was party time and we witnessed the first ever full stadium huddle.
Wonderful days and fabulous memories!
Liam you are bang on the money there,I was home for that match and attended with friends.Ten years have flown past,always remember… time flies when you’re enjoying yourself !!
We were in two pubs before the match and there was a bookies next to the second pub so,my pal asked if I wanted to place a small wager.I replied yes stick a fiver on for 3-0,he returned with my slip adding… your confident eh? I joked and replied ‘we’re gaunnae maul them’
That’s exactly what happened and I was £100, odds 20/1, better off and had witnessed something I knew I’d never forget.
After the match we returned back home and to the local boozers,the rest of the evening is a bit of a blur.
When I came back south I was still getting the Celtic view delivered and there’s was the perfect momentous advertisement, an official numbered framed picture, signed by Hooper and it showed him scoring the one Izzy buzzed down the wing delivering the precise cross for Hooper to score.
Marvellous memories Liam,the ks for stirring them
HH🍀👍🏽🍻💚✅☮️
Great story Michael. Always enjoy looking back on these games. Easy to forget that 3-0 was a tough ask back then, come 2016/17 it became a right of passage against a team from Ibrox, and we more often scored 5