Founded in 1888 in the East End of Glasgow, Celtic Football Club was established to raise funds for the “Poor Children’s Dinner Table” charity, supporting those in need. The club was a founding member of the Scottish Football League in 1890, the Scottish Premier League in 1998, and the Scottish Professional Football League in 2013.
Popularly known as the Bhoys (with the added “h” giving it an Irish flavor), Celtic FC boasts a rich history and a dedicated fanbase. And its iconic green and white hoops are well-recognized among football fans worldwide.
This article will uncover 10 intriguing facts about Celtic FC, highlighting its achievements, iconic moments, and the history that has shaped the club. But before we dive in, you can click here to wager on your favorite Scottish Premier League events or other exciting real-money games.
A Five-Year Drought
Celtic FC is widely recognized as a dominant force in Scottish football, but many are unaware of its initial struggles before the back-to-back victories. The club didn’t clinch its first league title until 1893, five years after its founding. Celtic FC defeated Queen’s Park 5-1 in the final to claim this title, a victory that ushered in its rise as a dominant force in Scottish football.
During the drought, Celtic encountered numerous challenges, yet the support of its fans was steadfast. Their unwavering loyalty helped pave the way for the club’s eventual success and legendary status.
Sectarianism: The Bhoys’ Fierce Rivalry with Rangers
The Old Firm derby between Celtic FC and Rangers is one of football’s most intense rivalries. These Glasgow clubs have dominated Scottish football for over a century, winning over 107 league titles altogether.
Celtic, with its Irish connections, and Rangers, representing Scottish Protestantism, have attracted support from opposing factions in Northern Ireland. This rivalry often extends beyond football, with some fans using matches to express sectarian views and support paramilitary groups.
The Legendary Green and White Hoops
Celtic FC’s iconic green and white hoops jersey, introduced in 1903, is one of the club’s most recognizable features. Initially, the kit included a white top with black shorts and hooped socks and featured a Marist Brothers’ badge. In 1889, the team switched to green and white vertical stripes, maintaining this design for 14 years.
The green and white hoops were first worn on August 15, 1903, against Partick Thistle. Black socks were used until the 1930s, followed by green. However, plain white socks have been the standard since the mid-1960s.
The Iconic Four-Leaf Clover Crest
Celtic Football Club’s iconic four-leaf clover crest is a symbol deeply connected to the club’s Irish heritage and identity. Introduced in 1938, the clover replaced the original circular crest that bore the club’s initials, and it has remained a central part of Celtic’s branding ever since. The clover is widely recognized as a symbol of good fortune and faith and is closely associated with Irish culture. It resonates with Celtic’s founding roots as a club established to support Glasgow’s Irish immigrant community.
Over the years, the crest has become a cherished emblem for fans. While minor tweaks have been made to the design, the clover has always remained at its heart.
The Unbeaten Invincibles Campaign
In the 2016-2017 season, Celtic FC, managed by Brendan Rodgers, recorded a historic feat by remaining unbeaten throughout the Scottish Premiership campaign. The club finished with 106 points, winning 34 matches and drawing 4, finishing 30 points ahead of its nearest rivals.
Known as the “Invincibles” season, this run included a record-setting 69 consecutive matches without defeat across league and cup competitions. This achievement cemented Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football and established a lasting legacy in the club’s history.
The Celtic Foundation Charity Match
Celtic FC was founded to support Glasgow’s poor. To this day, the club upholds its charitable traditions through the Celtic FC Foundation —a merger between the Celtic Charity Fund and the Celtic Foundation.
Since 1995, the foundation has raised over £5 million for various causes. In 2011, a testimonial match for John Kennedy raised £300,000 for Oxfam in response to the East African crisis. The club also hosts an annual charity fashion show and has raised nearly £700,000 in five years through its Christmas Appeal, aiding many families and charities.
Individual Brilliance
Jimmy McGrory is Celtic FC’s all-time leading goalscorer with 550 goals. Henrik Larsson, another legend, scored 242 goals and was crucial to the club’s success. Scott Brown, a former captain, played 14 years for Celtic and holds the record for the most European appearances by a Scotsman and a Celtic player.
Billy McNeill, a key defender and captain, led Celtic to a European Cup victory in 1967. These players are celebrated for their significant impact on the club’s history.
The Historic Lisbon Lions Victory
In 1967, Celtic FC made history by becoming the first British team to win the European Cup. The team, famously known as the Lisbon Lions, secured a 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the final, setting a landmark moment in football history.
Irish Republican Influence
Some Celtic fans have shown support for Irish republicanism and the IRA through chants and songs. In 2008 and 2010, protests emerged over Celtic’s Remembrance Day poppies, which were opposed by Irish Republicans.
Celtic condemned these protests, noting they damaged the club’s image, and vowed to ban those involved. In 2011, UEFA fined Celtic £12,700 for pro-IRA chants, though the Scottish Premier League took no action due to the club’s preventive measures.
A Tradition of Triumph
Celtic FC has won the Scottish Premiership title 53 times. It also holds 20 Scottish League Cups and 41 Scottish Cup titles, with its latest win in 2023. Its European success includes one European Cup won in 1967 by the legendary Lisbon Lions. These accomplishments highlight Celtic’s remarkable success and longstanding prominence in Scottish football.
Conclusion
Without a doubt, Celtic FC is one of Scotland’s most successful clubs of all time, with Rangers as its only worthy rival in this regard. The 2016-2017 season stands out as one of the club’s best, with its unbeaten “Invincibles” campaign and a treble win. Another notable moment was the European Cup title clinched by Celtic’s Lisbon Lions in 1967 with their win against Inter Milan in Portugal.
Coupled with its rich history, these achievements have solidified Celtic FC’s impressive legacy in the Scottish league. The club’s strong commitment to charity has also earned it widespread admiration.
