Irony of Go Ahead Eagles launching a Celtic themed European kit

The Dutch side faced Celtic at Celtic Park in their debut European fixture in 1965, and they are now commemorating that milestone six decades later.

The jersey is predominantly green with white striping across the top, and the Eredivisie club intends to use it in their upcoming Europa League matches against Salzburg and Nice, subject to UEFA’s authorisation.

Announcing the kit to their supporters on X, they said: “The shirt is predominantly white with green stripes, a nod to the match against Celtic. And for good reason: 2025 marks exactly sixty years since we played our first match in Europe. The sixty green stripes on the shirt symbolise this special anniversary.”

“Our boys will wear this unique kit during the Europa League away matches in Salzburg and Nice. This is, of course, subject to UEFA approval.”

Interestingly, this follows a summer in which a Go Ahead Eagles senior executive criticised Celtic for the way they managed their pursuit of winger Jakob Breum. Celtic’s derisory bids for the young winger were laughed out of town with the Go Ahead Eagles directors making their feelings public.

Speaking about Celtic’s failed transfer bids to sign Breum, Go Ahead Eagles sporting director Marc van Hintum said: “No, that transfer wasn’t close.”

“The gap between what we were asking for and what Celtic was willing to pay was simply too big. Jakob was open to it, but there was no agreement with Celtic. And of course, we ultimately had a say in that.”

“The amount we asked for was very realistic and in line with the market, especially considering how things went with Oliver Antman. Of course, Jakob was disappointed, but he handled it fantastically. I expect him to shine again this season.”

PS it’s a nice kit!

Conor Spence

Celtic in the Eighties by the late, great David Potter is out now on Celtic Star Books. Celtic in the Eighties is now available in the Celtic superstore and all other club shops. And don’t forget that you can still purchase your copy directly from Celticstarbooks.com for same day postage.

Order Celtic in the Eighties today, you’ll be glad you did, it’s a fabulous read!