Celtic on this Day – Watch the craziest own goal we’ve ever conceded

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·20 October 2024

Celtic on this Day – Watch the craziest own goal we’ve ever conceded

Celtic on this Day – Plenty of drama, one or two disappointments and a few decent wins, but the goal we conceded in Rennes was perhaps the craziest ever OG in Celtic’s history…

Hearts 2 Celtic 2, 20th October 1996. Photo The Celtic Wiki

20 October 1996, Hearts 2-2 Celtic…

Tommy Burns side would have gone top of the table had they won they professionally closed out the game at Tynecastle. Another two goals from the Hoops star man, Pierre Van Hooijdonk. Stewart Kerr continued in the Celtic goal having taken over from Gordon Marshall following his red card at Celtic Park in the previous league match against Motherwell. Kerr could do nothing about Davie McPherson’s dramatic last-minute header for the Jambos. Van Hooijdonk’s fine form prompted Fergus and Tommy to try and reopen negotiations with the Dutch striker and his agent Rob Jansen. You can watch the full match below courtesy of Scotsport (remember that!).

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Celtic v FC Zurich on this day, 20 October 1998. Photo The Celtic Wiki

A draw with FC Zurich

On This Day in 1998, Celtic drew 1-1 with Swiss side FC Zurich in the UEFA Cup 2nd round. Jo Venglos’ side had beaten Portuguese club Vitoria de Guimaraes in the 1st round and were confident heading into the encounter with Zurich. However, despite Harold Brattback opening the scoring for the Celts on the night, it would turn into a disappointing evening. Tom Boyd was sent off for a handball just before half-time, also resulting in a Zurich penalty being awarded. However, Jonathan Gould pulled off a fine stop only to be lobbed late in the game for the opposition’s equaliser. Celtic would exit the competition two weeks later following a 4-2 loss in Swiss soil.

Celtic 1 Sporting Lisbon 0 – 20th October 1993. Press cutting via The Celtic Wiki

Frank Connor’s undefeated run continues

31 years ago today, Celtic 1-0 Sporting Lisbon. Frank Connor’s undefeated run as Hoops manager continues, which was an excellent short spell in the dugout as temporary gaffer following the departure of Liam Brady. A rare, fantastic result in the early 90s when the days of ‘sack the board’ sentiments were increasing in tension. Celtic’s side was ailing, therefore, to seal a victory over credible European opposition was admirable. How Connor rallied the team considering the state it was in was incredible. Gerry Creaney’s early strike allowed Celtic to take an advantage heading into the second leg. Starring for the opposition at Celtic Park that night would be future Celt, Jorge Cadete. He looked dangerous, but never managed to find the net. Under the stewardship of new manager Lou Macari, Celtic would go onto lose the second leg 2-0 in Portugal exiting the competition in the second round.

Tom Rogic scores for Celtic against Hibs at Celtic Park on 20 October 2018.

Brendan Rodgers v Neil Lennon

6 years ago today, Celtic 4-2 Hibs. Brendan v Lenny. Hibs to their credit, came to Celtic Park and played with no fear. There was much talk at the beginning of the 2018/2019 season whether Neil Lennon’s Hibees could mount a possible title challenge to Celtic. That questioned was duly answered as goals from Odsonne Edouard, Tom Rogic and Olivier Ntcham sealed the Hoops the three points. Brendan Rodgers side had started the 18/19 campaign unconvincingly but having negotiated big wins at home to Rangers, Aberdeen and now Hibs, they were still domestically dominant.

Rennes 1 Celtic 1, 2011. Photo The Celtic Wiki

And that bizarre Celtic OG

13 years ago today, Celtic draw with Rennes 1-1 in France. It was not an easy time for Neil Lennon as Hoops manager who trailed Rangers by 10 points in the league. A remarkable comeback at Rugby Park despite being 3-0 down with 18 minutes to play five days before this Europa League encounter possibly saved the Irishman’s job. The match in France will forever be remembered for the worst own goal in Celtic history. A miscommunication in defence between Cha-Du Ri and Fraser Forster culminated in Rennes being 1-0 in front at half-time. The French side having registered 0 shots on target at the interval. The most Celtic in Europe moment in recent memory? There have been a few to choose from to be fair. Joe Ledley’s equaliser sent the travelling support home relatively pleased we had managed to find a draw.

Conor Spence

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