Celtic supporters were quick to respond to Inter Milan’s reaction to the death of Billy McNeill.
The Italian giants were on the wrong end of Celtic’s most memorable result but a strong bond of respect developed between the clubs and the players involved with Inter an integral part of the Lisbon Story that defines Celtic.
McNeill recalled the match many times, from the build up to the players singing in the tunnel to the presentation of the trophy. More than 50 years later the memories of that day are burning as brightly as ever.
Inter had won the European Cup in 1964 and 1965, Real Madrid triumphed in 1966 but by the the 1967 final in Lisbon the Italian champions were strong favourites to reclaim the trophy.
Jock Stein and Helenio Herrera indulged in mind games, or gamesmanship as it was known at the time but once Stevie Chalmers had found the net there was nothing more the Inter to give.
Celtic and Inter have met twice since in European competition, the most recent being in the 2014/15 Europa League but like the words Lisbon and Seville the name Inter will only be ever associated with one famous match by Celtic fans, young and old.
Our thoughts are with @CelticFC and Billy McNeill’s family at this sad time. A great opponent and captain in the 1967 European Cup final. https://t.co/oGT1GE7ysw
— Inter (@Inter_en) April 23, 2019
Class act, well done Inter.
— Diarmid Parkes (@Dermski1888) April 23, 2019
The amount of clubs worldwide paying tribute to our Legend is just lovely… he was respected and loved by all ??????????????? xxxx
— Babs McMahon ???????????????? (@BarbaraMcMahon8) April 23, 2019
He was iconic!
— Diarmid Parkes (@Dermski1888) April 23, 2019
That’s pure class, forza inter????????????
— Wulie.67 (@67Wulie) April 23, 2019
Classy club as always. Forza Inter!!
— Burchie (@Burchie81) April 23, 2019
Class to show that respect…Grazie Inter x ????
— Daniele Ionta (@danieleionta) April 23, 2019
Grazie Inter.????
— George Paterson (@gfpaterson) April 23, 2019
Grazie Inter grazie ????????????
Respect ????????— ???? HAIL CESAR ???? (@Seanypatrick99) April 23, 2019
Thanks inter much respect lovely gesture
— Daniel Leitch (@CelticDaniel22) April 23, 2019