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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
National
Gaby McKay

'He was a big gentleman': Celtic fans pay tribute after death of Lisbon Lion John Hughes

Fans gathered outside Celtic Park to pay tribute to legend John Hughes, who passed away at the age of 79 after a short illness.

The striker was a member of the Lisbon Lions squad which beat Inter to become the first side from the British Isles to lift the European Cup, as well as securing a domestic clean sweep in the same season.

Hughes, who was injured for the match against the Italians, hit 197 goals in 435 games and remains the club's eighth highest goalscorer of all time.

And one fan who made his way down to the stadium was there from the very start, witnessing his first trial appearance after catching the eye at Shotts Bon Accord.

George Maguire, 82, from Glasgow, said: “I saw him playing in his first trial game here at Celtic Park on a Tuesday night, along with Billy McNeill and co.

George Maguire, 82, Glasgow

“Then I saw him in his first game here playing against Third Lanark. He was a giant of a man.

“I’ve been watching Celtic since 1946, and I’ll always remember his energy and his running. He was a very, very strong player but he had great skill too."

With the death of Hughes just four members of that legendary squad survive, but though the final whistle comes for us all, Maguire knows Hughes' legacy will remain.

He said: "It’s certainly a changing of a generation, he was unfortunate that he was injured and didn’t play in the European Cup final but the memory will always live on.

“He played against Leeds at Hampden, and he gave Jackie Charlton his hardest night ever!”

Gerry Murray, 66, from Glasgow's East End was also there to pay tribute alongside his 10-year-old grandson Finn.

Read more: Celtic legend John Hughes dies aged 79 following short illness

He said: "Big John used to at times wear a pair of baseball boots depending on the state of the park!

“He was a big gentleman and a good football player.

“They’ll never be forgotten, that’s for sure. Celtic will always move on, but it’s a sad day."

Fellow Celtic icons and fans also paid tribute, with Chris Sutton writing: "Really sad news to hear about John ‘Yogi’Hughes passing. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family."

Famous supporter Alan Brazil recounted sneaking in to see that famous game with Leeds, and said: "Celtic won 2-1, Yogi got the equaliser, I'll never forget that night."

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