Scotland will play in the World Cup for the first time in almost three decades. Taking place in the USA, this year also marks 95 years since Celtic’s first ever trip across the Atlantic…
This five-part series will tell the story of that tour. It describes what happened as the Bhoys made their way to the United States and Canada for a six-week tour in May and June 1931. This was an experience that included some very memorable moments in Celtic history, and even led to the signing of a new player under tragic circumstances.
In part one we covered Celtic’s season in 1931 and the trip to the USA where the Hoops would play 14 games in five weeks. You can catch up with that HERE. Part two follows below…
Celtic had departed Scotland on 13 May 1931. The experience of Atlantic travel may have left some Celts wishing the club had continued to refuse stateside invitations.
Fog and choppy waters was found to be “a bit trying” by some of the party, according to Celtic boss Willie Maley, who said he was “feeling much better” after arriving in America. The crowds that greeted them in New York helped improve the mood.
For the next few weeks, Celtic’s main accommodation was the Knights of Columbus Club in Brooklyn, New York. Despite alcohol being banned during prohibition in the USA, the players were still able to get beer in the club, as well as making use of the on-site swimming pool.
The Bhoys were on the move, going to Philadelphia, Boston, Rhode Island, Chicago, Detroit and Baltimore. There was also two trips to Canada
At various other times, the Bhoys were on the move, going to Philadelphia, Boston, Rhode Island, Chicago, Detroit and Baltimore. There was also two trips to Canada. These matches would involve goals, fighting, injuries and even a police escort!
Nine days after leaving Glasgow, the Celts’ ship finally made it to the US. Within hours of arriving, Celtic’s American playing experiences were underway.
The Bhoys went to Yellow Jacket Field in Pennsylvania and had a comfortable 6-1 victory over the Pennsylvania All-Stars (sometimes called the Eastern Pennsylvania & District XI). This stadium suffered a devastating fire later that same year.
The game was clear evidence of how popular Celtic’s visit was going to be. Willie Maley wrote a tour diary where he described events, stating that “A deputation met us with two outriders who steered us through all traffic, by horn, whistle or wave of the hand pushing all traffic to the side……A Scots Pipe Band marched Celtic round the field with the Scottish Cup before the game.”
Celtic would play were generally American Football or baseball stadia
Given the lowly nature of US football in this era, the places where the Celts would play were generally American Football or baseball stadia. This was the case the next day when Celtic were again in action, at the Polo Grounds in New York. 30,000 crammed in to watch the Hoops claim a 3-2 win over the New York Giants. This raised what was then record gate receipts for a match at this venue.
After this game, there was almost a week of rest time for the travelling Scots. At different times, they used the tour as a chance for sightseeing and some relaxation. One night they had a trip to the boxing and saw heavyweight Primo Carnera fight, with the Italian later coming to watch one of the Celts’ matches.
The club travelled to Boston via a steamer on the Hudson
Six days after the previous tie it was time to get back into playing action. The club travelled to Boston via a steamer on the Hudson, viewing famous sites such as the Empire State Building as they did so.
The Bhoys were headed for the world famous baseball ground, Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. This time, the game went less well for the visitors who lost 4-3 to the New York Yankees.
The next day came a notable match in Celtic history. The club played Fall River at Mark’s Stadium in Rhode Island. Unusually, this was actually a ‘soccer’ stadium. Celtic lost 1-0 and were impressed by the performance of the opposing goalkeeper, Joe Kennaway. This would later have tragic connections.
There was another few days break before continuing the matches. Up to now, the trip had generally been upbeat. The next fixture was anything but, and it was perhaps no shock that it featured ‘Rangers’. The Cyclodrome in Rhode Island had been built as a cycling venue but was used for American Football. It also occasionally hosted Pawtucket Rangers.
In the final day of May, Celtic faced the ‘Rangers’ in a hugely bad-tempered fixture
In the final day of May, Celtic faced the ‘Rangers’ in a hugely bad-tempered fixture, with the referee happy to ignore numerous fouls. This led to furious complaints from Willie Maley. A bumpy and hard pitch also benefitted the home side who enjoyed a 3-1 victory.
However, the main talking point was the hostile reception received by the Celts. In fact, one Scottish newspaper later claimed that Glasgow Rangers clearly had “an enthusiastic following in the United States.”
At one point in the game, fans invaded the pitch and Celtic later needed a police escort to safely exit the ground.
Some things never change!
To be continued…
Matthew Marr
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