A Strange Glasgow Derby Atmosphere

Ahead of kick off, the support gave a rousing rendition of Grace followed by an ear splitting version of You’ll Never Walk Alone. The first ten minutes were thunderous as songs like the Celtic Symphony reverberated around Parkhead and an early goal almost arrived. Each attack was met with a roar, and every corner won merited a battle cry.

Play settled slightly and the atmosphere settled with it. Then came the goal and Paradise erupted. Another followed moments later, but just as the atmosphere was in the process of being relit, theRangers pegged one back and killed the noise.

A brief spell of celebration welcomed in the break as the opposition were reduced to ten men, but the second 45 minutes were as quiet as I’ve heard Celtic Park on derby day.

Nervous tension seemed to grip the fans, perhaps a response to the team being a bit casual on the ball, missing a penalty and not putting the game to bed. However, to be winning 2-1 against ten men, in a title decider against your biggest rivals, is to be in a position whereby the stadium would normally be bouncing.

Not every game can be won by three or more goals.

Nevertheless, the game was won and the crowd rediscovered their collective voice at full time to mark another title triumph.

Hopefully the stadium is back to its best next season, and the team is also enhanced as we look to push on to bigger things.

Liam Kelly