Celtic legend and Lisbon Lion Bertie Auld dies aged 83
He was part of the team that famously lifted the European Cup with Celtic in 1967
Last updated 14th Nov 2021
Lisbon Lion and Celtic legend Bertie Auld has died at the age of 83.
The ex-Scotland player spent 12 years at Parkhead across two spells, helping the Hoops to lift the European Cup in 1967 under manager Jock Stein.
In a statement posted by Celtic FC, the club said: "Bertie was always at the centre of things, happy to spend time talking about the club and recounting stories of when he and his team-mates were the Kings of Europe and one of the best teams in the world.
"Bertie always loved being a Celt & the Celtic supporters loved him in return."
It was revealed in June this year that Auld was battling dementia and was being cared for by loved ones at his home in Lanarkshire.
In a short statement confirming the news at the time, the Parkhead club described him as a "true icon" and "one of our greatest sons".
The former winger and midfielder was also an integral part of the side that won nine league titles in a dominant era for Celtic.
He initially left Parkhead for Birmingham City, but returned to the End End club for a second spell which included the historic victory in Lisbon over Inter Milan.
Auld played for Hibs and enjoyed a spell on-loan at Dumbarton before finishing his playing days at Easter Road.
He then ventured into management with Partick Thistle in 1974 for six years, later coaching Hibs, Hamilton Accies and making his return to both Thistle and Dumbarton.
Auld earned three Scotland caps during his playing days, and also enjoyed a spell in management.
Following his retirement from the game, the Celtic legend was a beloved figure around Celtic Park and regularly appeared at games and club events.
Celtic chairman Ian Bankier said: “The most sincere thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Bertie’s family at such a difficult time, following this tragic loss.
“I don’t think words can ever adequately describe what Bertie meant to the Club and our supporters. He was a giant of a player, a giant of a man and quite simply Mr. Celtic.
“He scaled the greatest of heights as a player with his talent but it is who he was as a man that made him so much more to us all.
“He enriched all our lives so greatly with his humour, his character and personality and for that we will forever be grateful.
“It was an absolute privilege to have known Bertie and I know just how deeply his passing will be felt by all Celtic supporters. Bertie will forever be regarded as a Celtic great and he will forever be in our hearts.
“We all mourn his passing with great sadness and, of course, we offer our full support to Bertie’s family. May you rest in peace, Bertie.”
Michael Nicholson, acting chief executive, said: “To lose Bertie is tragic news and we offer our prayers and support to Bertie’s family at such a difficult time.
“Bertie will always be remembered as one of Celtic’s greatest ever sons, part of a team that delivered the greatest prize of all to the Club and its supporters.
“He brought so much joy to Celtic supporters on and off the field and we thank him and pay tribute to him sincerely for that.
“It was an absolute joy and privilege to be in Bertie’s company, and his brilliant spirit and sense of humour will live long in all our memories.
“He loved the Club so much and, in turn, he was so deeply loved by us all as Celtic supporters.
“Bertie was just unique, there will never be another like him and this really is a very sad day. Our deepest condolences are with Bertie’s family.”