40 Facts About Celtic Vs Newcastle

Celtic vs Newcastle: A Clash of Histories

When Celtic and Newcastle United face off, it's more than just a game. It's a meeting of two storied clubs with rich histories, passionate fans, and unique traditions. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about these two football giants.

Celtic Football Club: The Pride of Glasgow

Celtic Football Club, based in Glasgow, Scotland, has a storied history filled with triumphs and unique traditions. Here are some intriguing facts about this iconic club.

1. Founded in 1887: Celtic was established to alleviate poverty in Glasgow's East End by raising money for the poor.
2. First British Club to Win the European Cup: In 1967, Celtic became the first British team to win the European Cup, defeating Inter Milan 2-1.
3. The Lisbon Lions: The team that won the 1967 European Cup is famously known as the Lisbon Lions.
4. Green and White Hoops: Celtic's iconic green and white hooped jerseys have been their trademark since 1903.
5. Celtic Park: Known as "Paradise," Celtic Park is the club's home ground and can hold over 60,000 fans.
6. Nine Consecutive League Titles: Celtic won nine consecutive Scottish league titles from 1966 to 1974.
7. Old Firm Rivalry: Celtic's fierce rivalry with Rangers, known as the Old Firm, is one of the most intense in football.
8. Charitable Roots: The club was founded with a charitable purpose, and this ethos continues with the Celtic FC Foundation.
9. Global Fanbase: Celtic boasts a massive global following, with supporters' clubs in numerous countries.
10. Famous Fans: Celebrities like Rod Stewart and Billy Connolly are known to be avid Celtic supporters.

Newcastle United: The Magpies' Legacy

Newcastle United, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, has a rich history and a loyal fanbase. Here are some captivating facts about the Magpies.

11. Founded in 1892: Newcastle United was formed by the merger of two local clubs, Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End.
12. St James' Park: The club's iconic stadium, St James' Park, has been their home since 1892 and can hold over 52,000 fans.
13. Black and White Stripes: Newcastle's distinctive black and white striped jerseys have been their trademark since 1894.
14. Four-Time League Champions: Newcastle has won the English top division four times, with their last title coming in 1927.
15. FA Cup Success: The Magpies have won the FA Cup six times, with their most recent victory in 1955.
16. The Entertainers: In the 1990s, under manager Kevin Keegan, Newcastle was known for their attacking style and thrilling matches.
17. Geordie Passion: Newcastle fans, known as the Toon Army, are famous for their unwavering support and passionate chants.
18. Alan Shearer: The club's all-time leading scorer, Alan Shearer, netted 206 goals for Newcastle between 1996 and 2006.
19. Rivalry with Sunderland: The Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland is one of the fiercest rivalries in English football.
20. European Adventures: Newcastle has had memorable runs in European competitions, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2003-04 UEFA Cup.

Memorable Matches and Moments

When Celtic and Newcastle United have met on the pitch, the encounters have been memorable. Here are some standout moments from their clashes.

21. First Meeting: The first recorded match between Celtic and Newcastle took place in 1893, with Newcastle winning 1-0.
22. Friendly Encounters: Most of their meetings have been friendly matches, often drawing large crowds and creating a festive atmosphere.
23. 2006 Friendly: In a pre-season friendly in 2006, Celtic defeated Newcastle 4-2 at St James' Park.
24. Legends Match: In 2013, a charity match featuring legends from both clubs was held at St James' Park, ending in a 2-2 draw.
25. Shared Players: Several players have played for both clubs, including John Robertson and Craig Bellamy.
26. Managerial Connections: Joe Kinnear managed both clubs during his career, adding another link between the two.
27. Fan Friendships: Despite their competitive nature, fans of both clubs often share a mutual respect and camaraderie.
28. Cultural Ties: Both clubs have strong cultural ties to their respective cities, with football playing a central role in local identity.
29. Charity Matches: Matches between the two clubs have often been used to raise funds for various charitable causes.
30. International Appeal: Games between Celtic and Newcastle attract attention from fans around the world, highlighting their global appeal.

Legends and Icons

Both Celtic and Newcastle United have produced legendary players who have left an indelible mark on football. Here are some of the most iconic figures from each club.

31. Jimmy Johnstone: Known as "Jinky," Johnstone is considered one of Celtic's greatest ever players, renowned for his dribbling skills.
32. Henrik Larsson: The Swedish striker scored 242 goals for Celtic and is a club legend.
33. Paul McStay: A one-club man, McStay made over 500 appearances for Celtic and is a beloved figure.
34. Bobby Moncur: The only Newcastle captain to lift a major trophy in the last 50 years, Moncur led the team to FA Cup glory in 1969.
35. Malcolm Macdonald: Known as "Supermac," Macdonald was a prolific striker for Newcastle in the 1970s.
36. Kevin Keegan: As both a player and manager, Keegan had a significant impact on Newcastle, leading them to promotion and near league glory.
37. Shay Given: The Irish goalkeeper made over 350 appearances for Newcastle and is regarded as one of their best ever keepers.
38. Kenny Dalglish: Although better known for his time at Liverpool, Dalglish also managed both Celtic and Newcastle.
39. Jackie Milburn: A Newcastle legend, Milburn scored 200 goals for the club and remains an iconic figure.
40. Billy McNeill: As captain of the Lisbon Lions, McNeill is a Celtic legend and later managed the club to further success.

Final Whistle

Celtic and Newcastle have rich histories and passionate fanbases. Celtic, with its roots in Glasgow, boasts numerous league titles and a storied past in European competitions. Newcastle, hailing from the north of England, has its own legacy, marked by memorable matches and iconic players. Both clubs have faced ups and downs but remain beloved by their supporters. Whether it's Celtic's green and white hoops or Newcastle's black and white stripes, the passion for football runs deep. These clubs not only represent their cities but also a way of life for many fans. From legendary players to unforgettable matches, the rivalry and camaraderie between Celtic and Newcastle continue to captivate football enthusiasts. So, next time you catch a game, remember the history and pride behind these two great clubs. Football isn't just a sport; it's a shared experience that unites communities and generations.