1967 heroes still game, says comic
THE LISBON Lions could be Still Game stars, according to a Scots comedian.
Sanjeev Kohli said he thought the legendary 1967 squad could be hits in the BBC show, during a celebratory event last night.
The comedian said legendary player Bertie Auld could “easily be Jack or Victor” and praised the team’s sense of camaraderie and banter.
Last night thousands of fans celebrated 50 years since the Hoops’ Lisbon victory at a special party at the Hydro.
THE Celts came in their thousands at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro last night to see the ‘Bhoys’ who became champions of 67.
The Lisbon Lions took to the stage at the Glasgow venue to remember and celebrate the achievement which put them in the history books on May 25, 1967.
Two goals by Stevie Chalmers and the late Tommy Gemmell changed the face of the East End club forever – and their great feat was celebrated in style 50 years on with a rock concert.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers welcomed the Lisbon Lions on stage as they performed Celtic songs, and Hoops superfan Rod Stewart wowed the audience with a performance of some of his best-known hits.
The players carried their winning European Cup to a standing ovation which included a celebrity audience.
Footballing legend Sir Alex Ferguson, Line of Duty star Martin Compston and Celtic’s past managers Neil Lennon and Martin O’Neill were among the guests.
As the show opened, guests were promised “a night of legends, a night of celebrations, a night like no other.”
East End girl Elaine C Smith took on her presenting duties. She was close to tears as she asked the audience to give a round of applause for Manchester instead of a minute’s silence.
She said: “Not one of us walked in here and did not have our thoughts with our brothers and sisters in Manchester. We want them to know we stand with you in your grief.”
Still Game star Sanjeev Kohli said he believes a Lisbon Lion could easily fit into the hit BBC comedy.
The actor, who plays Naveed, said: “I saw Bertie Auld coming in and I thought he could easily be Jack or Victor.
“He has genuinely got sitcom-level patter. In those days footballers were really articulate and funny! I definitely say they were still game.”
The star also couldn’t believe his luck at being at the prestigious event.
He said: “I walked in and the first person I saw was Sir Alex Ferguson then Frank McAvennie and so on – and think ‘what you doing here?’.
“It feels like a party already. It’s such a wonderful story it doesn’t matter if you are a Celtic fan or not.
“Some people will be cynical and say ‘You are still celebrating 50 years on?’ Of course they are, because it will never happen again.”
Neil Lennon described the Lisbon Lions as the ‘greatest team’ in the Celtic’s history ahead of the show’s kick off last night.
Speaking to the Evening Times, Mr Lennon said: “I actually sat down and watched the game, and I didn’t realise how great a performance it was.
“They are greatest iconic team in Celtic’s history and this greatest night for the club on the back of what has been a fantastic season as well.”
Joining Mr Lennon backstage were famous Celtic fans and football legends including Sir Alex Ferguson.
The former Manchester United manager paid tribute to the people of Manchester, saying: “There are some fantastic people there.
“I think United last night gave the city a lift.”