Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Ewan Paton

Moment young Celtic fan embraces Jota on the pitch

This is the moment a young Celtic fan ran onto the pitch to greet Jota.

Filmed from the perspective of the boy, he has shared footage of his experience on social media.

Posted on TikTok, the pitch invader had the camera rolling as Jota hit the back of the net on 67 minutes, just moments after he came off the bench during the 5-0 rout over St Johnstone at Hampden.

As soon as the celebrations commenced, the boy leaped over security barriers along the trackside at the national stadium, and made a beeline for the goalscorer. 

Jota warmly embraced the Hoops supporter, as he briefly picked him up and smiled for the camera.

After seemingly getting a 'Well done wee man,' from one of the other Celtic stars, the boy swiftly made his way off the pitch after his encounter with his heroes.

The video also showed how he was greeted by a steward to see him back to his seat.

The Portuguese winger said post-match: "It's the first time I've experienced something like this.

"I was thrilled for that and I hope he has a memory for life. I just hope he's okay at the moment.

"I think the fans are always there to support us and today was no different. So they always make us feel at home and we love it."


Read more: 


On the game itself, Jota added: "I always try to imagine the situations in my head to feel them and then to act on them. 

"I just felt like Ali was going to do a brilliant cross and it really happened so I was there.

"There are no points to prove. Every opportunity is an opportunity and I will always be here to give my maximum and enjoy the football. 

"In the end it's all about being happy on the pitch and I'm here to show that."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.