CELTIC’S NUCLEAR REACTION

After beating Shamrock Rovers in the first round of the 1986-87 European Cup, the Bhoys were handed an unenviable trip to Kiev

On November 5, 1986, only six months after Chernobyl, Celtic travelled to Dynamo Kiev in the second round of the European Cup. The Bhoys became the first western club to visit Ukraine’s capital city – 80 miles south of the nuclear power plant – since the accident.

Mo Johnston had scored a late Celtic equaliser in a 1-1 first-leg draw in Glasgow, but none of the players fancied the return trip to Dynamo’s Republican Stadium. The official advice from the UK Foreign Office was to “avoid the area if at all possible.” However, a spokesperson for the Soviet Embassy in London said, “There is no danger, and I can assure Celtic they need have no fear.”

The Scottish champions took their own provisions with them, “in view of a doubt surrounding the advisability of eating locally produced foods.” Caterer Tim Kelly packed 11 large containers of tinned fruit and vegetables and cooked meat, plus milk and water. “Celtic will win tonight because of the peace of mind this has given them,” said Kelly.

The provisions included two cases of champagne, “just in readiness for any celebrations”, but the likes of Alan Mcinally (above) were in no mood to party on the way home. Backed by 108 intrepid Bhoys followers in a crowd exceeding 100,000, Celtic lost 3-1 on the night and went out 4-2 on aggregate.