| Match Pictures | Matches: 1968 – 1969 | 1968-69 Pictures |
Trivia
- See: Prague Spring & Soviet Invasion – Celtic protest in European Cup (1968)
- Celtic had prepared well for this game. After losing in France Jock Stein had embarked on the preparation of at least two plans to beat St Etienne and go through. He felt that it was crucial not only to his reputation but also for the future of the club. On the Monday the players were all at Seamills preparing with a trip to see Morton take on Chelsea in the Fairs Cup on Monday night. (Morton lost 4-3 on the night and 9-3 on aggregate).
- This was an all ticket game. The crowd were left guessing at the team line-up till the last minute.
- Celtic won 4-2 on aggregate.
- Celtic draw Red Star Belgrade in next round.
- Celtic play in an all white strip which was specially made for this game
- St Etienne captain Robert Herbin describes the noise of the Celtic fans afterwards as 'howling banshees'.
- French complain strongly at penalty award on stroke of half time.
- One of the great games of Jock Stein's reign as Celtic manager.
- On this night all five Scots clubs went through. Rangers beat Vojvodina (Yugoslavia) , Aberdeen beat Slavia Sofia (Bulgaria), Hibs beat Lublijana (Yugoslavia) and Dunfermline beat Apoel (Cyprus).
Review
This game hinged on a penalty on the stroke of half time when McBride was grabbed in a head lock by Camerini in the area. The French players protested furiously and after a delay Gemmell exploded his shot into the net despite the antics of several St Etienne to put him off by throwing their shin guards at him.
In the second half Celtic rose to the occasion with Jimmy Johnstone in unplayable form. St Etienne seemed unsure whether to stick or twist with Celtic having no alternative to attack. Craig got the second and then Chalmers having a tap in to put Celtic ahead after Johnstone had mesmerised three French players in an amazing run.
In 75 minutes Simpson made a great save from Keita as the French attacked and at this stage one goal would have had them through.
With the French pressing for an equaliser Celltic broke up field and McBride scored a fine opportunistic fourth.
Johnstone was terrific making the second and third goals and McNeill a tower of strength in defence with full backs Craig and Gemmell having marvellous games. Chalmers and McBride did a pile of running and harrying the French so that they never had a moment to rest from front to back.
This game was one of the best and most dramatic European ties ever played at Parkhead and the atmosphere on the night was absolutely electric and would be remembered for years to come.
Teams
Celtic:
Simpson, Craig, Gemmell, Murdoch, McNeill, Brogan, Johnstone, Wallace, Chalmers, McBride, Hughes . Subs: Fallon, Clark, O'Neill, Connelly, Lennox
Goals: Gemmell (pen 44), Craig (60), Chalmers (67), McBride (87)
St Etienne:
Carnus Durkovic Camerini Mitoraj Bosquier Herbin Fefeu Jacquet Revelli Keita Bereta. Subs: Migeon, Peletier, Polny, N'Dombe, Farnison
Scorers:
Referee: Z Vales (Czechoslovakia)
Attendance: 75,000
Two interesting views from the French side.
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
Pictures
Articles
Evening Times 3rd October 1968
