Final farewell at Celtic Park for Lisbon Lion John Clark

3 months ago 33

PA Media A convoy of dark funeral cars pass Celtic Park. Supporters stand by metal fences clapping as the cars pass by. A coffin can be seen in the car at the front as it turns.PA Media

Fans gathered to applaud John Clark's cortege as it passed Celtic Park

Mourners have gathered in Glasgow to mark the funeral of Celtic legend and Lisbon Lion John Clark.

Celtic invited fans to meet at Celtic Park to say a "final farewell to one of the club's greatest ever servants".

Clark, who died last week at the age of 84, won several major honours in more than 300 games for the Parkhead side.

His greatest achievement came in 1967, when Celtic defeated Inter Milan in Lisbon to become the first British team to lift the European Cup.

SNS A man with white hair and a green suit jacket and tie gives a small smile to the cameraSNS

John Clark died last week at the age of 84

In a statement, Celtic said: "John Clark was a Lisbon Lion, a cornerstone of our greatest ever team and a dedicated servant to Celtic.

"We come together to honour his incredible legacy."

SNS A black and white photo of three footballers, two in stripped celtic tops, the man in the middle has a number six on his shorts and kicks a whie ballSNS

Clark made his debut in 1959 and returned to Celtic after his playing career

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: "John's continued presence at Celtic across so many decades I know served as an absolute inspiration to so many players.

"Through his knowledge, his wisdom and his true love for Celtic, John has made such an important contribution to the club."

The Scottish FA also paid tribute to Clark after a "glittering career", having represented Scotland four times.


Former players Roy Keane (left) and Ian Wright arrive for the funeral at St Mary's Church

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was among the mourners

Clark's funeral mass began at midday at St Mary's Church in Glasgow's Calton area.

Celtic owner Dermot Desmond and former players Roy Keane and Ian Wright were seen arriving for the funeral, as well as manager Brendan Rodgers and team captain Callum McGregor.

The service was broadcast live for fans on the club's YouTube channel and finished at about 13:45.

Afterwards the funeral cortege travelled down The Celtic Way outside the stadium in Parkhead.

Supporters and squad members applauded as the cortege drove up to Celtic Park and paused briefly outside the main entrance.

Celtic scarves had been tied to the metal fences and floral tributes were left outside the stadium.

Tribute: Lisbon Lion John Clark remembered

Clark, who made his Celtic debut in 1959, served the club for over four decades.

He returned to Parkhead after his playing career to work in the youth set up.

Clark became assistant to Billy McNeil, his defensive partner during the quadruple-winning 1966-67 season, at Aberdeen then at Celtic.

He also managed Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde but again went back to Celtic, serving as kit man for almost 20 years.

Peter Lawwell, Celtic's chairman, described Clark as a "very dear friend and colleague".

"John was actually a hero to me and so many others," he said. "Someone who achieved the greatest feat of all in club football but did so, along with his great team mates, with such grace and humility."

Read Entire Article
Industri | Energi | Artis | Global