John Hughes' passing at the age of 79 has brought sadness and the Celtic legend’s career was celebrated on the Hotline .
Yogi was a member of the club’s greatest-ever squad which lifted the European Cup in Lisbon in 1967 and his life has been cherished by fans from across the country. Hughes is among an elite number of players who have scored more than 100 goals in the Hoops, but it was style and character as much as scoring rate which lifted his popularity.
Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton , said: “It was so sad to hear the passing of John Yogi Hughes. I have fond memories of waiting patiently for the Lisbon Lions squad to emerge from Celtic Park after home games in the 1960s and he was the first autograph to enter my wee black book. Which I treasure to this day.”
Davie Quinn, Fife , added: “Hughes was a people’s player. Guys could recognise themselves in him with the play he played with his heart on his sleeve. Yogi may not have been on the pitch in Lisbon, but he will always be a Lion and he will be missed.”
Robert Davidson, Bellshill, said: “Yogi is a legend. That header against Leeds at Hampden in the European Cup semi-final will never be forgotten. I’m so happy that, for the last game he was with us, Celtic won and Jota scored a goal that was fitting of the big man.”
Robert was referencing Celtic’s success over Aberdeen which is still drawing comment three days on as Ryan Adams, Bonnybridge , got stuck into some previous Hotliners. He said: “Day one of the season and it’s all so familiar. Celtic get three points, a clean sheet and soar to the top yet. Meanwhile the paranoid comedian Chris Lowe is on whinging about referees, again, and Alan Flett can’t find anything to go on about except how much he hates Celtic. Glorious.”
John Bruce emailed about VAR and said: “Apparently it was being trialled at the Livingston v Rangers game on Saturday, prior to its introduction later in the year. I wonder how the game would have looked had it actually been used? Would it have shown that Rangers’ offside goal was actually on-side as it was?
“Another poor decision was Phil Cancar’s reckless tackle that should have been a second yellow card and would have seen him sent off, leaving Livi with 10 men in the first half. Rangers were on the wrong end of many similar honest mistakes by referees last season, whilst Celtic benefitted quite well from them to the extent of winning the league. No wonder their fans don’t want VAR.”
Martin Lynch, Edinburgh , said: “It could only be in Scotland where we bring a system into the competition when it’s already started. Somebody is going to lose out on this and it’s not going to be a good look.”
Finally, a word on the Commonwealth Games. The Scots have done themselves proud in Birmingham with record-breaking swimmer Duncan Scott leading the charge. Rose McDougall, Aberdeen , said: “I love watching these young men and women go at it for glory. Their dedication is incredible and, unlike highly-paid and preening footballers, they seem to be so grounded and down to earth. Well done to you all. Even the ones who didn’t get medals are winners for me.”
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