The story of Celtic playing against clubs in more than two countries

Last week, Celtic played Crvena Zvezda (better known as Red Star Belgrade). In doing so, this marked the fifth country in which Celtic have faced the Serbian team (technically, at least).

Celtic first met Red Star in 1968, beating them 5-1 in Glasgow and then drawing 1-1 in Belgrade, which was then classed as Yugoslavia. In 1977, the Bhoys took part in a world tour which included games against Red Star in Singapore and also Australia.

Last week, the Celts’ Europa League campaign began in Belgrade. Although this is a city where Celtic have previously faced Red Star, in fact it is now classed as Serbia, making it a fifth official country.

This is not the first team that Celtic have played in five different countries, and it is not even a club record. Another team that the Bhoys have played in five countries is Liverpool.

Like Red Star, Celtic have faced the English side on three different continents. There have been numerous competitive and friendly games between the sides in England and Scotland. In 2004, the Celts lost to the Anfield side in the USA but nine years later the Hoops gained a 1-0 win in Dublin.

Some more high profile matches between the clubs in the 1980s took them to another location. With English clubs banned from Europe between 1985 and 1990, a Dubai Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates, pairing the English and Scottish champions. Celtic twice played the Reds, with each team claiming one victory.

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