Celtic on this Day – That hilarious Terry Butcher OG at Celtic Park

The Celtic Star

·12 November 2024

Celtic on this Day – That hilarious Terry Butcher OG at Celtic Park

Celtic on this Day…Notable Celtic wins over Benfica, Rangers and Aberdeen…

Celtic 3 Benfica 0, 12 November 1969. Press cutting from The Celtic View

12 November 1969, Celtic 3-0 Benfica

Celtic 3 Benfica 0, 12 November 1969. Photo The Celtic Wiki.

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Jock Stein’s side had suffered their third league defeat of the season in a 2-0 loss to Hearts three days prior to their European Cup second round clash with Benfica. Amongst the Portuguese ranks was none other than Eusebio who failed to make an impact at Celtic Park.

Although the stunning result through goals from Gemmell, Wallace and Hood got people talking about another potential European Cup triumph, few commentators anticipated this encounter would be Celtic’s third match of nine on the continent as they embarked on an historic run to Milan.

Also playing for Benfica was Artur Jorge who had been heavily linked with a managerial gig with Celtic in 1997 following the departure of Tommy Burns. Famously, Stein’s men lost 3-0 in the return leg in Lisbon but won the coin toss. Subsequently, a third round tie with Fiorentina in four months time awaited the Scottish champions.

Not the best video unfortunately…

Celtic 3 Rangers 1 – 12th November 1988. Press cutting.

12 November 1988, Celtic 3-1 Rangers

Mark McGhee scores for Celtic against Rangers at Celtic Park on 12 November 1988. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Coming into the 15th league encounter of the season, Celtic had been beaten in four of their opening 14 matches at the start of the 1988/1989 campaign. Despite the wave of optimism following a league and cup double Centenary season, Billy McNeill’s side exited the Scottish League Cup in August, and the European Cup three days before the clash with Rangers at Celtic Park.

The win versus Graeme Souness’ over-confident side gave the Hoops support a much-needed lift after a turbulent start across all competitions. Terry Butcher’s spectacular diving header gave Celtic an equaliser 10 minutes after Mark Walters had opened the scoring from the penalty spot. Celtic recovered with Mark McGhee and Billy Stark’s first half strikes sealing the points. Famously, after the game, a fire in the main stand caused the destruction of over 300 seats.

12 November 1977, Celtic 1-1 Rangers

Tom McAdam scores for Celtic in the 1-1 draw against Rangers at Celtic Park on 12 November 1977.

47 years ago today, Celtic 1-1 Rangers. History is not kind when analysing Celtic’s 1977/1978 campaign. A victory against Rangers may have proved to be a turning point, but a draw was enough to satisfy Jock Wallace’s side who would narrowly clinch the league championship ahead of Aberdeen at the end of the season.

Tom McAdam’s equaliser in the second half was not the only talking point in this Old Firm affair. Referee Eddie Thompson denied the awarding of a clear Celtic penalty whilst also disallowing a perfectly fine McAdam goal. This angered Stein and his players who could not comprehend the decision-making of the controversial official.

12 November 2023, Celtic 6-0 Aberdeen

David Turnbull of Celtic celebrates after he scores Celtic’s fourth goal during the Cinch Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Aberdeen at Celtic Park Stadium on November 12, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Brendan Rodgers side had themselves came off the back of a 6-0 thumping defeat at the Wanda Metrapolitano against Atletico Madrid during the week in the Champions League. Having been in the Spanish capital myself personally, the feeling heading into this match had been one of apathy.

Collectively, the Celtic support had become fed up with the continuous humiliation on the continent. However, the Hoops responded by dismantling Barry Robson’s dismal Dons, and as a result climbed eight points clear of theRangers at the foot of the Scottish Premiership table.

There were five different scorers, two of which are no longer at the club. Yang, Kyogo, Palma, Turnbull and a double from Oh secured Celtic a comfortable league victory and meant that it had been 50 home league matches without a loss. A run which would come to end two home matches later against Hearts in December.

Conor Spence