Christmas Eve is here – but there’s no game for the Celts as we took care of our pre-Christmas business, picking up the three points against Livingston yesterday afternoon
In the club’s history, Celtic have played 15 matches on Christmas Eve. Most of these have been positive, although one team is a constant problem.
The Bhoys’ first Christmas Eve game came in 1892. Third Lanark came to Glasgow’s east end for a Glasgow Cup tie, however the frosty weather made playing impossible.
Instead the match was played as a friendly, although it was deemed farcical by newspapers who described players sliding on the pitch as though it was an ice rink. Celtic did at least claim a 3-2 win.
Since that day, all 14 of Celtic’s Christmas Eve fixtures have been league games. In the Bhoys’ 15 Christmas Eve games, Glasgow’s green-and-white team have mainly celebrated. There have been nine wins, four draws and two defeats.
Kyogo Furuhashi of Celtic scores his team’s second goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and St. Johnstone FC at on December 24, 2022. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
The last win was 2022, and you have to go back to 1966 for a draw, and 1938 for a defeat.
Celtic’s goal difference for the day is +12. The Bhoys have scored 26 but conceded 14. The most recent game on this day – 2022, when the Hoops claimed a 4-1 victory over St Johnstone – is also the club’s biggest win.
The one side Celtic don’t want to play on Christmas Eve is Aberdeen, the Bhoys’ most common opponent on the day. Celtic have played them three times, losing twice (1932 and 1938) and drawing once (1966).
Here’s hoping Santa is good to Celtic fans when he visits tonight. Ideally bringing nine points for the Bhoys between now and the winter break.
Merry Christmas!
Matthew Marr
To find out the full story of Celtic’s first League title, you can buy Matthew Marr’s debut book, ‘The Bould Bhoys! Glory to their name’.
It’s available now from Celtic Star Books and is the ideal Christmas present for the Celtic historian in your life. You can also pick up a copy at any Celtic FC store including the superstore.
Follow Matthew on Twitter @hailhailhistory
