Lisbon Lion John Fallon’s lifelong unshakeable passion for Celtic

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The Celtic Star

·23. Juli 2025

Lisbon Lion John Fallon’s lifelong unshakeable passion for Celtic

John Fallon, who sadly passed away yesterday, may not always be listed among the most celebrated names in Celtic history—but his contribution to the club was as heartfelt and vital as any…

John Fallon at the Greenock CSC in May 2017. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

A lifelong Celtic supporter, John Fallon embodied everything the Celtic stands for – loyalty, humility, and an unshakeable passion for the club.

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Signed as a youngster, Fallon made his senior debut in 1959 and stepped in as first-choice keeper in 1963 after Frank Haffey’s departure. Just as he began to establish himself, a turning point came with the arrival of Jock Stein and the experienced Ronnie Simpson.

Fallon found himself playing backup, a role he took on with both grace and professionalism.

Celtic v. Rangers Ronnie Simpson and John Fallon hug each other after the 2-1 defeat of Rangers. 23rd October 1965

He was a key part of Celtic’s squad during one of the club’s most successful eras. Fallon celebrated his first major honour with a Scottish Cup win in 1965, famously seen swinging from the crossbar in delight as Billy McNeill scored a last-gasp winner. Yet later that year, Simpson would permanently claim the No.1 jersey.

Despite limited appearances, Fallon remained a crucial squad member during the legendary 1966–67 season. He featured only once—a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock—but travelled to Lisbon as the sole substitute allowed under the rules at the time. Although he didn’t step onto the pitch in the European Cup Final, his role was far from passive.

The Celtic team of 1964 Back row: Young , Thomas Gemmel , John Fallon , John Clark , Billy McNeill , Kennedy Front row: Jimmy Johnstone . Bobby Murdoch , Stevie Chalmers , Gallagher , Hughes. Photo TopFoto

In a symbolic act of defiance orchestrated by Stein, Fallon was sent out early to claim the bench closest to the halfway line—sending a message to Inter Milan that this Celtic team wouldn’t be intimidated.

Controversially, Fallon’s winner’s medal was taken back at the behest of chairman Sir Robert Kelly, who felt it inappropriate for someone who didn’t play to receive one. Yet many, rightly, saw this as unjust. Fallon was part of the squad, the preparations, and the spirit of that team. Thankfully, he received a replica medal later that year, and in 2019, the original was returned to him—an overdue correction of a wrong.

His time in Lisbon may have been spent on the sidelines, but Fallon proved his quality just weeks later in Alfredo Di Stefano’s testimonial at the Bernabeu. In front of a packed Madrid crowd, he helped Celtic to a 1-0 win and earned widespread praise.

John Fallon leads the Celtic celebrations on the bench as Celtic reach the European Cup Final with a 0-0 draw away to Dukla Prague to give Celtic a 3-1 aggregate win. Photo The Celtic Wiki Dukla Prague v Celtic

Later that year, during the infamous World Club Championship clash against Racing Club of Argentina, Fallon was called into action when Simpson was injured by a missile from the crowd. Thrown into an ill-tempered contest, Fallon produced an outstanding display across the second leg and a brutal playoff in Uruguay. His performances drew admiration, with one commentator famously asking, “If that’s the reserve keeper, what must the other guy be like?”

Domestically, Fallon’s resilience continued to shine. After a shaky Old Firm outing in early 1968, he bounced back, helping Celtic secure another double in 1969. He played a key role in the League Cup and Scottish Cup finals, particularly against Rangers where he showed both composure and character under pressure.

imago/ColorsportFootball – 1969 Scottish FA Cup Final (26/4/69) – Celtic goalkeeper John Fallon

With Simpson’s retirement, Fallon briefly reclaimed the No.1 shirt and added another League Cup medal in 1969. However, the arrival of Evan Williams again limited his chances. He still contributed to Celtic’s run to the 1970 European Cup final before departing for Motherwell and later Morton.

Though he was never capped for Scotland, Fallon holds a unique honour—he remains the only Scottish goalkeeper to have played in two Intercontinental Cup finals. His contributions may not have always made headlines, but they left a lasting mark on the club and its history.

Until the end, John Fallon remained a true Celtic man—visible in the stands, passionate about the club, and vocal about its values. He participated in documentaries and spoke candidly about the challenges faced by players and supporters alike in his era.

the original holy goalie, John Fallon, with his European Cup medal

John Fallon sadly passed away yesterday. He may not have played in Lisbon, but he was—and always will be—one of the Lions. A deeply committed Celt, and forever part of the Celtic story.

Requiescat in pace, John, YNWA

Niall J

Credit to the wonderful Celtic Wiki – Fallon, John – The Celtic Wiki for historical reference and background.

Read this – The backstory to Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter

Thank you to everyone who has already pre-ordered the late David Potter’s last ever Celtic book, Celtic in the Eighties, which will be published on the fifth day of September by Celtic Star Books. The link to pre-order your copy is below…

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter, out 5 September 2025. Available to pre-order now.