Celtic have announced ‘Lisbon Lion’ and former Scotland international Tommy Gemmell has died aged 73 after a long illness.
Gemmell scored the equaliser as Celtic came from a goal behind to become the first British side to lift the European Cup when they beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the 1967 final in Lisbon, earning him legendary status at the Glasgow club.
Stevie Chalmers netted the winner after another Gemmell raid down the left flank.
Celtic said in a statement: “The whole Celtic Family is mourning his passing, and everyone associated with the club sends their thoughts and prayers to his family, his fellow Lions and his many friends at this desperately sad time.”
Gemmell also scored in the 1970 final when the Hoops were defeated by Dutch side Feyenoord.
He spent 10 years at Celtic between 1961 and 1971, making 418 appearances and scoring 63 goals.
He won six league titles, three Scottish Cups, four League Cups plus that European Cup triumph in 1967. Celtic’s victory made them the first British club to win the competition.
Celtic’s statement continued: “Tommy Gemmell is a true Celtic legend, part of the greatest side in the club’s history and a man who played a pivotal role in our greatest ever triumph when, in Lisbon’s Estadio Nacional, 11 men all born within a 30-mile radius of Celtic Park, beat Inter Milan to win the European Cup.
“The legend of the Lisbon Lions was created that night, and Tommy and his team-mates were assured their place in the pantheon of Celtic greats.
“And, like the rest of the Lions, Tommy remained humble about his incredible football achievements.”
SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster added: “Tommy is one of the most significant figures in Scottish football history.
“As well as serving both Celtic and Scotland as a player with such distinction, Tommy played for and managed Dundee and was also manager of Albion Rovers in two different spells.
“The SPFL passes on its condolences to the staff and supporters of those three clubs but we know that all SPFL clubs and football fans across the country will share in their sadness.”
