Martin Tyler has given an insight into a commentators view of Celtic Park.
For almost 30 years the Englishman has been the voice of the EPL but that hasn’t lessened his appreciation for life outside of the plastic bubble that covers Brighton, Watford, Burnley and the other lifeless clubs that scoop up the subscription money from Sky Sports.
Tyler acknowledges the unique image that Celtic Park creates with the din on Champions League nights making the use of headphones dual purpose.
The main position is high, but very good. The noise levels of the crowd can be a problem during the game. Commentators wear headphones not only to hear the match director, the producer and the co-commentator but also to hear their own voices. That is vital. Just try putting your fingers in your ears and talk and you will see how difficult that is.
Celtic’s 2006 Champions League win over Manchester United was the sort of occasion that leaves a lasting impression, the type of result that creates legends to be replayed time and time again.
The final whistle signalled not only a famous win for Celtic but the reaching of the knockout stages of the Champions League for the first time. United still needed a point but got three in their final game at home to Benfica, 3-1 with Saha on the scoresheet.
It was an amazing night, a tale of two left-footers, one from Japan and one from France, which gave Scotland the bragging rights in this Battle of Britain.
Back in the nineties Tyler and Andy Gray would be sent up to cover the Glasgow derby, Sky may have downgraded their interest but the passion remains the same as Celtic enjoy unprecedented domestic success with 10 successive domestic trophies captured.
