HE was one of the greatest and certainly among the most popular footballers that Scotland ever produced, and the death of Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell after a long illness at the age of 73 has deeply saddened the world of football.
Gemmell played left back on that immortal night in May, 1967, when Celtic won the European Cup, becoming the first British club to win Europe’s biggest trophy.
His goal in the 63rd minute was a typical thunderbolt shot that cancelled out Inter’s earlier goal, and Gemmell was also involved in the move that led up to Stevie Chalmers’ winner just five minutes from time.
The man from humble beginnings in Motherwell and Craigneuk became the first British player to score in two European Cup finals when he hit a similar fierce shot to give Celtic the lead over Feyenoord in 1970, but the Dutch side came back to win in extra time.
Known for his big personality off the field as well as his fine play on it, Gemmell was capped 18 times for Scotland and played in the famous 1967 defeat of England at Wembley.
The tributes paid to him yesterday after Celtic announced his death in a Glasgow care home were fulsome and widespread.
Celtic Chief Executive, Peter Lawwell said: “Everyone at Celtic is deeply saddened by the loss of Tommy, a true Celtic giant and a man who gave the club so many years of his life in an illustrious football career.
“I’ve been a Celtic supporter all my life and clearly the two goals that stick out are particularly the one in Lisbon and then in Milan in 1970 “But another one that I saw live was here in 1969 against Benfica where I was up in the Rangers end at the time and after two minutes somebody took a short free kick to him and he just battered the ball into the roof of the net.
“That is a memory I can still see today and it was fantastic.”
Fellow Lion Bertie Auld said: “Tommy was one of the greatest ever Celtic players. I’m devastated, absolutely heartbroken. Tommy was one of my favourite people, a great colleague and genuine pal.
“He enjoyed a laugh with the best of us. You never saw him down even when things went against him. I loved the guy and it was obvious the Celtic fans did.”
Another Lion Jim Craig added: “When I came to Parkhead myself he was very helpful. He had been there for four years whereas I was a novice. We hit it off straight away.
“I’m glad he is at peace now and my thoughts are with Mary and the family”
Former Celtic player John Hartson said: “It’s sad news that Tommy has passed. He is a Celtic great.”
In a statement, Rangers said: “The club would like to send our sincere condolences to the family of Celtic legend Tommy Gemmell. He was one of the great Celtic and Scotland players and will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with Tommy’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”
On his Twitter account, Chris Sutton said: “Very sad news about Tommy Gemmell. He was a true Lion. A legend.”
Agnes Johnstone, widow of Jimmy, said: “Tommy was a good man and he was an interesting person too. He could tell some great stories.
“Jimmy and Tommy didn’t go about together when they were team-mates. But later on in life they got close, especially in retirement, and that was so nice to see.
“He was really good to Jimmy when he was ill. I remember how Tommy and Mary would come down to visit him, and Tommy was down quite a lot. They were both great with him, and the way Tommy spoke about Jimmy in a telly documentary last year was so kind.”
Scottish government minister Humza Yousaf said: “Death of a legend. Have a signed Lisbon Lions top from the great man himself. The best gift I was ever given.”
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