| Match Pictures | Matches: 2017 – 2018 | 2017-18 Pictures |
Trivia
- Scott Brown testimonial; 11 years at Celtic, and now a great favoured captain in all the club’s history
- Well deserved, esp as Celtic just clinched the Scottish Cup and back-to-back trebles the day before.
- Many out in force to pay their respects.
- Close scheduling to Scottish Cup final due to that the World Cup is starting soon.
- Henrik Larsson & many other favourites out in force today.
- Money raised to help family of ex-Celt Liam Miller who passed away in the past year. RIP
- Probably goodbye to Roberts who signed off with a goal. Popular player with the Celtic fans but he was a loanee.
- Shamrock Rovers will host Celtic in a pre-season friendly match in July, the clubs have confirmed.
- Long break now to next Celtic game, due to World Cup approaching.
- Celtic have their first ever Fanzone at Celtic Park. A good success according to initial reports.
Review
(Martoto of KDS forum)
Guy sitting behind me was screaming at Sinclair the whole game. Nearly ruined it.
Trying to follow two teams playing in Green and White (and mostly white) was quite comical at times.
But it was a great day overall.
– One of the tightest YNWAs (and sung in sensible key) that I’ve ever heard at CP.
– Return of the King.
– Many of the first team turning out the day after the DoubleTreble was secured (“Aye thanks for that!” – Scott Brown)
– Farewell goal from Paddy
– Parading the trophies
James McLean (Ireland side)
Amazing feeling to play today at paradise in-front of the Celtic faithful, thank you for the reception and what an occasion for a great player, congrats mate fully deserved @broony08 ! Onto the games against France and USA now for us..
Teams
CELTIC: De Vries; Hendry, Simunovic, Mulgrew, Miller; Brown, Kouassi; Johnston, Roberts, Sinclair; Griffiths
Subs: Gordon, Tierney, Boyata, Ajer, Lustig, Ntcham, Armstrong, Rogic, McGregor, Dembele, Forrest, Aitchison, Deas, Church, R. Hendry, Larsson
Goals:(Griffiths 41, Roberts 61)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND XI: Doyle, Coleman, Egan, Lenihan, Williams, O’Dowda, Browne, Williams, McClean, Walters, Maguire
Subs: Stevens, Doherty, Burke, Cunningham, O’Malley, Robinson
Goals: (Browne 4, O’Dowda 58)
Referee:
Attendance:
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
Pictures
Forum
Articles
Fans pack out Paradise to honour Scott Brown
Celtic Park, Glasgow
Sunday, May 20, 2018
CELTIC…2
(Griffiths 41, Roberts 61)
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND XI…2
(Browne 4, O’Dowda 58)
SCOTT Brown’s status as a Celtic legend was further cemented today as supporters packed out Paradise to honour the Hoops captain in his testimonial match against a Republic of Ireland XI.
It was a day to remember for the 32-year-old and his family as his team-mates and the Celtic fans showed their adoration and appreciation for their skipper and leader.
Signed by former manager Gordon Strachan 11 years ago from Hibernian, the midfielder has been a magnificent servant to the club, a true colossus, and that was reflected in the tremendous turnout from the Hoops faithful.
The fact that another former Celtic boss, Martin O’Neill, brought his Irish team to Celtic Park for the event, and several stars from the past participated in the game, most notably, Henrik Larsson, also underlined his standing in the game.
Very rarely in the modern game do footballers earn the distinction of a testimonial, but Scott is no ordinary individual. Approaching 500 appearances for the Bhoys, playing through the pain barrier many times, his commitment to the Celtic cause is absolute and legendary.
He has become one of the club’s most decorated sons, wining eight league titles, four Scottish Cups and four League Cups, the vast majority of them as captain.
The latest of those trophies came less than 24 hours earlier at Hampden as Scott lifted the Scottish Cup after a dominant 2-0 victory over Motherwell.
That saw Brendan Rodgers’ side create more history, becoming the first Scottish team to secure the ‘double treble’, following last season’s invincible treble.
Scott has been the driving force throughout this unprecedented period of domestic dominance.
A humble hero, however, he will always highlight the contribution of others – team-mates, staff and supporters – something he articulated once more on the pitch as he addressed the crowd, with his three children by his side.
With fans still in party mode following yesterday’s triumph at the National Stadium, there was a carnival atmosphere in the stadium ahead of kick-off.
Both sets of players lined up to give Scott Brown a guard of honour as he took to the field to huge cheers, before the crowd delivered rousing renditions of Amhrán na bhFiann and You’ll Never Walk Alone.
An entertaining spectacle was served up on the field as the match ended two apiece. Alan Browne put Ireland into an early lead, before Leigh Griffiths equalised just before the interval.
Callum O’Dowda restored the Irish’s advantage but Patrick Roberts earned a share of the spoils for the ‘double treble’ winners.
And that was a particularly special moment for the winger as he bid a fond farewell to the Hoops before he returns to parent club Manchester City.
The English youngster received a stirring standing ovation as he left the field in the closing stages as did Henrik Larsson when the Celtic great entered the field around the hour-mark.
And the roof would have come off Paradise had the Swedish sensation not been denied a goal by a superb save from goalkeeper Conor O’Malley.
After the game, Scott, Brendan Rodgers and the players paraded the three pieces of silveware they had won during the campaign and took the salute of supporters.
And it was fitting that the final word in the story of another record-breaking season at the club should go to Scott Brown – Celtic’s captain, leader and constant inspiration.
CELTIC: De Vries; Hendry, Simunovic, Mulgrew, Miller; Brown, Kouassi; Johnston, Roberts, Sinclair; Griffiths
Subs: Gordon, Tierney, Boyata, Ajer, Lustig, Ntcham, Armstrong, Rogic, McGregor, Dembele, Forrest, Aitchison, Deas, Church, R. Hendry, Larsson
REPUBLIC OF IRELAND XI: Doyle, Coleman, Egan, Lenihan, Williams, O’Dowda, Browne, Williams, McClean, Walters, Maguire
Subs: Stevens, Doherty, Burke, Cunningham, O’Malley, Robinson
Seven Ireland newcomers and a cameo from Celtic great Larsson as Scott Brown’s testimonial ends in draw
An Ireland XI played the Scottish treble-winners at Celtic Park today.
https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/scott-browns-celtic-testimonial-raises-14682996
Celtic 2
Ireland XI 2
PLENTY OF new faces and an enjoyable occasion for players and fans, but there wasn’t a huge amount more for Martin O’Neill to take away from Ireland’s meeting with Celtic.
Played at a canter, Scott Brown’s testimonial ended all-square in Glasgow after Ireland twice took the lead — through Alan Browne and an own goal — before the Scottish Premiership champions hit back thanks to Leigh Griffiths and Patrick Roberts.
There was a laid-back, party atmosphere at Parkhead as Hoops supporters celebrated their captain’s 11 trophy-laden years at the club. The friendly, which wasn’t an official, Fifa-approved fixture meaning no international caps are awarded, also came just 24 hours after Celtic had clinched the double-treble by defeating Motherwell in the Scottish Cup final.
Skipper Brown was the only player who began that game at Hampden Park to be named in Brendan Rodgers’ line-up, while his former team-mate Charlie Mulgrew of Blackburn Rovers made an appearance, with Swedish legend Henrik Larsson on the bench.
Celtic v Republic of Ireland – Scott Brown Testimonial Match – Celtic ParkBrown and his kids receive applause.
Source: Jeff Holmes
O’Neill — returning to the club he managed to three titles, three Scottish Cups, a league cup and the Uefa Cup final — brought over an inexperience squad and named three newcomers in his team.
Defensive pair Darragh Lenihan and Derrick Williams, who both ply their trade at Blackburn Rovers, lined out at senior level for the first time and made up a backline alongside Brentford’s John Egan and captain Seamus Coleman.
Millwall’s Shaun Williams also made his unofficial debut in the centre of the park, while Preston striker Sean Maguire was given the chance to stake a claim with experienced duo Jon Walters and James McClean also in attack.
Jack Hendry and James McCleanCeltic’s Jack Hendry and James McClean contest for the ball.
Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO
With places in the squad up for grabs, the Ireland players appeared eager to impress from the off and took the lead with six minutes on the clock. O’Dowda pounced on a loose pass out of back by guest player Mulgrew and Browne capitalised to stroke home a bending left-footed strike for his first international goal.
| Ireland lead at Celtic Park thanks to this fine strike from Alan Browne! #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/VCUXh5J9CB
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) May 20, 2018
Last night’s celebrations may have taken their toll on the Celtic players, but just before the half-hour mark they did conjure up their first real goalscoring opportunity. Griffiths used his pace to get beyond Lenihan and force goalkeeper Colin Doyle into a solid stop.
After McClean and Maguire had both found the sidenetting and with half-time quickly approaching, the hosts drew level. Good work by Eboue Koussi saw him go past Browne and pick out Griffiths, who found the bottom corner first time.
| The Leigh Griffiths goal that has the teams level at Celtic Park. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/SVrZ2LvFG9
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) May 20, 2018
Ireland would restore their advantage on 58 minutes as a well-hit 25-yard shot by O’Dowda struck the bar and went in off the back of substitute goalkeeper Ross Doohan.
| Callum O’Dowda’s goal that put Ireland ahead but Celtic level just two minutes later from Patrick Roberts. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/zrN6ypZhkn
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) May 20, 2018
O’Neill then made a raft of changes as Shamrock Rovers attacker Graham Burke, Preston forward Callum Robinson and ex-St Patrick’s Athletic keeper Conor O’Malley, now of Peterborough United, were given their first taste in an Ireland shirt, while Greg Cunningham of Preston and Wolves wide man Matt Doherty also entered the fray.
However, O’Malley’s first involvement was to pick the ball out of the back of the net as Roberts, playing his last game for Celtic after a two-and-a-half year loan spell from Manchester City, made it 2-2 with a deflected strike.
| Patrick Roberts scores for Celtic to bring it all square in Glasgow.. (2-2) #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/9qvbpDpIu3
— FAIreland (@FAIreland) May 20, 2018
Celtic great Larsson received one of the biggest cheers of the afternoon upon his introduction and the 46-year-old was denied a goal by O’Malley on his return to Paradise after neat build-up play.
Celtic v Republic of Ireland – Scott Brown Testimonial Match – Celtic ParkLarsson tries his luck.
Source: Jeff Holmes
While Doohan saved a block effort from Maguire, Robinson missed out on capping his maiden international appearance with a goal after heading a yard outside the post. Sheffield United full-back Enda Stevens was Ireland’s final substitution, and Larsson sent a free-kick high and wide down.
The man of the moment, Brown, was withdrawn in the closing minutes to allow him a fitting reception, and Ireland will surely be given tougher tests by France and the US in the coming weeks.
CELTIC: De Vries (Doohan 46), Hendry, Simunovic, Mulgrew (Larsson 62), Miller (Tierney 77), Brown (c) (McGregor 88), Kouassi (R Hendry 46), Johnston, Roberts (Ntcham 72), Sinclair, Griffiths (Dembele 77).
IRELAND XI: Doyle (O’Malley 61), Coleman (c), Egan (Doherty 61), Lenihan (Stevens 72), D Williams (Cunningham 61), O’Dowda, Browne, S Williams (Burke 61), McClean, Walters (Robinson 61), Maguire.