Yesterday at Paradise we watched Celtic clinch our 5th consecutive title, our 14th in 15 seasons and our 56th overall in a day that will live long in the memory of each and every Celtic supporter at the game or watching on television screens around the world…
I mentioned yesterday morning that winning would not be a patch on the 1986 title win, a win in which was achieved at the expense of a Hearts collapse, and although events yesterday had a similarly, they perhaps weren’t up there with the events of 3rd May 1986 for older supporters. But for my generation it certainly will be, and likewise a day we’ll all never ever forget.
Paradise was a wall of colour, and cauldron of noise
The day started with great hope and expectation as supporters arrived in great spirits, indeed you could sense there was a great optimism just walking into the stadium. Inside Paradise was a wall of colour, and cauldron of noise, but nevertheless it was still evident that a sea of nerves was running through the crowd, and that escalated as the game wore on.
Our hopes were majorly dashed just before half time as Lawrence Shankland headed home following a corner to give the league leaders a crucial lead, and it looked like we would be facing an uphill battle in the second period. However hauled ourselves level just two minutes later through an Arne Engels penalty kick, awarded for handball. It was a stonewaller just like the one at Motherwell in midweek.
Arne Engels gave Celtic a springboard to win the match
That goal was vital as it gave us a springboard for the next forty five minutes, and despite bossing the game and creating many chances in the majority of the second period, it looked very much like the trophy would be leaving for Edinburgh.
This is Celtic however, and with five minutes of regulation time remaining, and despite initially being ruled out bizarrely for offside, the man of the moment Daizen Maeda hauled us level after his goal was correctly awarded after a tense VAR check.
The Celtic dugout were celebrating during the VAR review
The Celtic dugout were celebrating during the VAR review as they watched their own reply and realised that it was miles onside. Why the assistant referee chose to flag for offside only he will know but Willie Collum should have a few questions to ask about that. It was an embarrassing call from the linesman.
Eight minutes of additional time were added, thanks to the amount of time the visitors felt the need to hit the deck at every given opportunity, and it truly was squeaky-bum time as it felt more like eight hours to the stressed out home supporters.
But with seconds remaining, substitute Callum Osmand clinched the three points and the league title as he ran the ball into an empty goal after we caught the desperate Jambos on the break. Finally we could celebrate as an air of tension was released in an instant as everyone knew that Celtic were champions.
No-one heard the final whistle which was due to blow anyway
No-one heard the final whistle which was due to blow anyway as hundreds of Celtic supporters poured onto the pitch, giving Hearts an excuse to storm out of the stadium and onto their team bus with their tails well and truly between their legs.
What a day in Paradise, one we will never forget, and yet another chapter in the club’s illustrious history has been written and all the credit in the world goes to Martin O’Neill and that group of coaches who somehow managed to deliver a title that looked lost many times, especially in the dark days of December and into the New Year.
On the road to Hampden we shall not be moved
How it’s onto Hampden to hopefully complete the double against Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline. Then it’s time for a major re-think and a rebuild like we’ve never seen before.
Congratulations to Martin O’Neill, his staff and the Celtic players on winning our 56th title.
We are the Champions my fiends.
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
HAVE YOUR SAY – Join the Celtic conversation in our comments section below…
Quick Tip – Add Celticshorts.com as your ‘Preferred Source’ on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you’ll notice the difference straight away! – Click HERE….Hail Hail!
