Fifty years ago today they poured into Lisbon by every means possible and sent home post-cards!
The internet, social media, text messaging and twitter were as likely as the man on the moon as 10,000 Celtic fans, many using a passport for the first time, arrived in Lisbon supporting a dream.
Two years earlier they had watched Celtic win their first trophy in seven years when a Billy McNeill header saw off Dunfermline to secure the Scottish Cup.
For months they sang that they’d be running round Lisbon with the cup. In front of them 11 men from the Glasgow area were about to make history with their story celebrated and retold for generations to come.
Kids whose parents were born long after Lisbon know their history- they know the Lions and the greatest story in the history of football.
Simpson, Craig, Gemmell, Murdoch, McNeill, Clark, Johnstone, Wallace, Chalmers, Auld and Lennon led by Jock Stein and supported by Fallon, Hughes, Gallacher, McBride, Young and O’Neill.
Today, worldwide those names are being remembered, celebrated and revered with modern technology allowing
more than postcards to be shared.
Social media will be alive to the Lions on this special day, sharing is the way with thousands reliving magical moments as they look forward and prepare for Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final and the chance for some modern day history.
CAIRNEY
50 Years Ago Today: The proudest moment of my sporting life, shared with ten brothers to whom I am bound forever https://t.co/goKJ5sJoqS
— Jim Craig ?? (@Cairney2) May 24, 2017
Right-back Jim Craig, part time European Cup winner, part time dentist. From Govan, schooled on the doorstep of Rangers he broke into the Celtic side during the Lisbon season.
GLASGOW REMEMBERS
Some pic. Great to see Charlie, Yogi and John Fallon in there as well. pic.twitter.com/sxVBiCEJSv
— St.Anthony (@Stephen4_2) May 24, 2017
The Lions were in the City Chambers yesterday being recognised by the local Council, led by McNeill, the leader of men.
THE MODERN LIONS
We just rode to Lisbon on @theroadtolisbon! Estadio Nacional floodlights in background. @ETimsNet @kerrydalestreet @huddleboard @celticfc pic.twitter.com/cmiTRWUgIr
— Stef McDef (@StefMcDef) May 24, 2017
One healthy and fit group of supporters decided to cycle from Glasgow to Lisbon, with the timing of Gemmell and Chalmers they arrive in the Portuguese capital today.
OH THERE’S ONLY ONE KING BILLY
Billy celebrates the 50th anniversary with wife Liz and son Martin at Glasgows City Chambers today. ???? pic.twitter.com/YBofIsnAUi
— Celtic In Pictures (@CelticPics7) May 24, 2017
His appearances are rarer but his greatness will never dim. He suffered through the bleak years then became the hero of a generation as he carried out Stein’s work on the park down to the letter.
ON THE TEE
My new Wedge in Honour of that great feat 50 years ago ???? pic.twitter.com/RfLjuQUb9h
— Stephen Gallacher (@stevieggolf) May 24, 2017
Ryder Cup golfer Stephen Gallagher knows his history, hopefully this special club will be as special as the club that he supports at the top of the old Kerrydale Street.
RAISE THE TROPHY
50 years ago today. pic.twitter.com/kAP3CQwk0U
— Jozo Simunovic CSC (@BenTheTim) May 24, 2017
After Real Madrid has been handed the old trophy big Billy was the first man to get his hands on the new one, 50 years on Real Madrid and Juventus will be battling to follow on from the Lions.
GOALS!
On this day in 1967, Celtic dared to dream, beating Inter Milan 2-1 to win the European Cup. Great achievement! pic.twitter.com/xgULdfQMF4
— CelticLisboa (@CelticLisboa) May 24, 2017
This twitter account was named in honour of the Lions, this simple clip will never grow old or tired, in 50 years time it will still be looked on with awe.
KICK OFF APPROACHES
50 year ago today…..
Simpson , Craig and Gemmell , Murdoch McNeill and Clark , Johnstone , Wallace , Chalmers , Auld and Lennox.
Legends.. pic.twitter.com/rkrjbqJiFt— moo (@moo_ted) May 25, 2017
Kick off approaches and some tense looking faces are evident but two hours later their fame was assured and recognised forever.
LOOKING BACK
On this day in 1967, the Lisbon Lions won the European Cup for Celtic. Here’s the game in the Lions’ own words. pic.twitter.com/lg4RZq8RMY
— Focus on Celtic (@FocusOnCeltic) May 24, 2017
Reflecting on 90 minutes that shaped and defined the club, set standards that will never be matched and inspired Manchester United, Ajax, Bayern Munich and Liverpool to repeat over the next decade.
REMEMBERED
????EPISODE 42 – GIG SPECIAL – LISBOA 50????
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iTunes: https://t.co/aU0KKgFFyu
Other: https://t.co/BnHyUogAzo pic.twitter.com/9KaeOQJfpE
— GIGPOD (@GIGPOD) May 24, 2017
Another move into the modern age as some of the Lions reflect on their greatest 90 minutes in a podcast, back in their day there was only the tranny and the voice of David Francey.
ICONIC
Welcome to a day of celebrating a team, a club, a cause, Scotland’s national sport, and pure, beautiful, inventive football… pic.twitter.com/DfrGvYquaB
— The Clumpany (@TheClumpany) May 24, 2017
An enduring image, you can drink tea from a mug with the image, have it as wallpaper or a screensaver and it will endure the test of time.