KNIGHT THE LIONS
Celtic manager Rodgers calls for Euro Cup legends to be made Sirs
BRENDAN RODGERS has called for the Lisbon Lions to be knighted to finally give them the recognition they deserve on the 50th anniversary of their European Cup success.
Celtic became the first British side to be crowned kings of the continent after their 2-1 win over Inter Milan in Lisbon in 1967.
But legendary boss Jock Stein and his team of heroes were never awarded knighthoods.
Matt Busby was immediately
knighted after leading Manchester United to European Cup glory 12 months later, with Alex Ferguson given the same honour after lifting the trophy as part of a treble in 1999.
In a week when Celtic are mourning the death of Tommy Gemmell, who scored in the final, current boss Rodgers admitted he is amazed they have been ignored.
Secret papers released under Freedom of Information by the Scottish Executive a decade ago claim Stein was denied an honour after the Celtic players were involved in a brawl during their World Club Championship play-off against Racing Club.
Asked if they deserve honours, Rodgers said: “Absolutely. You see these things handed out left, right and centre now but these guys are true icons and they put the signpost in the ground for British football.
“I’ve got to say I find it hard to understand why they haven’t been commemorated in a greater way. For a Scottish team to win the European Cup, they really set the trail for every other British club.
“What they inspired of others to go on and do – managers and coaches – they really pointed the way. At that time, for 11 players born within a 30-mile radius from Celtic Park, just doesn’t happen.
“It’s not too late for them to get on to the Honours List. These types of achievements are given out to people who devote their lives to something or do something exceptional, and I’m nearly sure everyone would say that’s what they’ve done.
“Sometimes these things can come too late. I always think if you can honour good people and people who have truly achieved something, then these guys absolutely deserve it.
“Look at the way they carry themselves. I was at a club function on Thursday for the foundation and Bobby Lennox was there, John Clark, Bertie Auld. These are guys who have lived the life of a Lisbon Lion. They’ve played that role with great honour and esteem for the club.”
Rodgers was saddened by the news of Gemmell’s death, aged 73. He said: “We have lost one of the truly great footballers in the history of Celtic.
“He was an iconic player. For a full-back to score in two European Cup finals and defend how he defended really tells you everything about the guy as a footballer.”