Adolescence star Stephen Graham’s Celtic admiration

The Celtic Star

·24 March 2025

Adolescence star Stephen Graham’s Celtic admiration

He is currently receiving praise for his remarkable role in Adolescence, with Stephen Graham solidifying his status as one of the leading actors of his generation…

However, the affable Scouser, outside of the hard-hitting dramas that have defined his career, also holds a special affection for a club beyond his cherished Liverpool… if you know your history.

The Scouser openly expressed his fondness for Celtic

The 51-year-old is known for his admiration of Celtic, openly expressing his fondness for the club, its fans, and the iconic atmosphere both on the field and in the stands.

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Stiliyan Petrov Charity Match, Celtic XI v Stiliyan XI, 8 September 2013. Photos by by Vagelis Georgariou

Graham featured in green and white for Stiliyan Petrov’s charity match in 2013, then returned as a fan alongside his Celtic-obsessed pal Martin Compston to witness the Hoops’ emphatic 5-0 victory over Hearts in 2018.

In an interview with the Celtic View, the esteemed actor outlined: “As Martin and I were walking into the Hearts game [in November 2018], there was this lovely old fella, he must have been about 75, not a day younger.

‘Hey, it’s Al Capone!’

“He put his hand on my shoulder and said, in a faux Italian American accent, ‘Hey, it’s Al Capone!’ [The character Graham portrays in HBO’s Boardwalk Empire]. I felt like I was instantly accepted by the fans, which gave me a right buzz. What a great game to have gone to as well, and 5-0 wasn’t too bad.”

Stiliyan Petrov Charity Match, Celtic XI v Stiliyan XI, 8 September 2013. Photos by by Vagelis Georgariou

Watching from the stands at Paradise was undoubtedly memorable, but Graham’s time on the revered pitch, particularly his unique moment with the King of Kings, was truly unforgettable.

“Playing at Celtic Park itself was a real buzz”

He added: “Playing at Celtic Park itself was a real buzz, and one of the best moments of my life. In the dressing room, I was tying my laces, I had a pair of Adidas World Cups on, and my bottle had gone.

“I was once a decent little player, but going on that turf was a different story. I was tying my laces, I looked to my right and spotted the exact same boots as me.

Stiliyan Petrov Charity Match, Celtic XI v Stiliyan XI, 8 September 2013. Photos by by Vagelis Georgariou

Henrik just looked at me and said, ‘Nice boots’. I said, Cheers mate!”

“I thought to myself, alright, nice one. I looked up the socks, up the body, I saw the face… and it was Henrik Larsson! He just looked at me and said, ‘Nice boots’. I said, Cheers mate!”

Opinions have a tendency to resurface, but Graham’s glowing praise of Brendan Rodgers from seven years ago has stood the test of time, with the Irishman securing an FA Cup with Leicester and three more trophies with Celtic since then.

Brendan Rodgers, manager of Swansea City looks on during the Barclays Premier League match between Everton and Swansea City at Goodison Park on December 21, 2011. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)

“Brendan Rodgers is doing a fantastic job at Celtic”

He said: “Brendan Rodgers is doing a fantastic job at Celtic. As you well know, it’s increasingly difficult in Scotland to compete with the finances elsewhere, and to attract the players that he has is brilliant.

“He’s galvanised that group of players, too. Personally, I loved Brendan Rodgers when he was at Liverpool. I thought he did a great job, and I thought he was a fantastic manager.

Stiliyan Petrov Charity Match, Celtic XI v Stiliyan XI, 8 September 2013. Photos by by Vagelis Georgariou

“He took us to another level, and, for me, he was the start of this football that we’re now playing. Before, we were close. But he brought that style of play that he created with Swansea, he took that to Liverpool – that pressing possession play, that fast counter-attack – which Celtic do really well now. He’s a great manager.”

Conor Spence

INVINCIBLE – The story of Celtic’s Wonderful, Magical, Treble Winning Invincible Season. Order at Celticstarbooks.com

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