Numberthree balloons form special tribute
GENERATIONS of Celtic fans braved the rain in Glasgow’s East End yesterday to pay tribute to one of the club’s greatest players.
The mood was sombre as fans gathered on Celtic Way for the start of the funeral procession for Tommy Gemmell.
As his hearse made its final journey away from Parkhead, fans threw scarves in its path while a balloon with his shirt number three was released into the sky as a tribute to an icon. The Gemmell family mouthed a simple thank you to supporters as they travelled in cars behind the footballer.
Earlier, a respectful applause took place on Celtic Way as fans showed their gratitude for a player whose goal changed Parkhead history.
The hearse travelled up the walkway which features a statue of Lisbon Lions legend Billy McNeill.
It came to a standstill in front of Celtic’s iconic front doors as fans took a moment to realise they had lost a legend.
Lifelong Hoops supporter John Clancy travelled through from work in Edinburgh to pay his respects. The 64-year-old, from Livingston, has his own tribute to the Lisbon Lions – a tattoo of them on his back.
He said: “Tommy Gemmell and Bobby Murdoch were two of the greatest. They are the greats, the club can’t forget them. They were the first British team to win the European Cup then everyone followed after.
“You have to respect these players and what they did for the club when you think of the money they got paid then to what it is now.”
Siblings Tommy Kinghorn and Elizabeth Kelly waited patiently on the Celtic Way with a number three balloon which they released as Tommy’s funeral cor tege passed.
The East End-born brother and sister wanted to show their respect to a player they idolised as youngsters.
Elizabeth, 58, had her photograph taken with the Lisbon Lions as a youngster.
They visited St Dominic’s Primary School in Castlemilk with the Scottish Cup.
Elizabeth said: “I brought the number three balloon to pay tribute. That was his number and we wanted to let it go as he passed us.”