John Hartson has taken to Twitter to express his amazement at the “remarkable” timing of Celtic’s winner against Kilmarnock on Saturday.
In a match dedicated to the memory of legendary captain Billy McNeill, who sadly passed away earlier this week, the Hoops managed to find the goal that broke the deadlock in the 67th minute when number five Jozo Simunovic scored.
McNeill also wore the number five shirt for the club, and became the first British man to lift the European trophy when the famous “Lisbon Lions” won the title in 1967.
And the coincidence was not lost on former Bhoys hitman Hartson.
Writing on his personal account, he said: “Celtic go 1 up in the 67th minute!!
“Remarkable… it’s in the stars.”
Celtic go 1 up in the 67th minute!! Remarkable .. it’s in the stars ???
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) April 27, 2019
OPINION
Celtic had to win this match. After the passing of such a legend, there was only one way that they could honour the memory of Billy McNeill, and that was with all three points. From a purely pragmatic point of view, the win was vital to help them move ever closer to the title, but from an emotional standpoint, it’s hard not to be a little bit amazed by the coincidence of the timing and shirt number of the winning goal. McNeill was the club’s iconic number five, and probably their greatest captain of all time, and for him to be honoured in such a way, coincidence or not, is a touching tribute to the man. The Hoops will waltz their way to the title now, and no doubt that will have given McNeill as much joy as anything. He will never be forgotten at Parkhead, and Saturday’s win was the perfect way to remember his legacy.