The family of Celtic icon Billy McNeill have invited fans to his funeral. McNeill died last week at the age of 79 after a nine year battle with dementia. Since his death, tributes have flooded in from all over the world and from all walks of life.
Celtic marked their legendary skipper’s passing by wearing black armbands during Saturday’s match against Kilmarnock. The club also observed a minute of applause and covered the centre circle with a massive number five prior to kick-off.
McNeill’s family have also paid their own tribute ahead of Friday’s funeral.
In a message on the official Celtic website, they say: “We would like to say thank you for all the kind messages we have received over the last week. They have cheered us up tremendously at this difficult time.
“The love and affection shown towards our father is nothing short of amazing and is something we will never forget.
“Our father always made time for the fans and knew how important they are so we would like to send an open invite to help us pay our respects to him.”
A fitting goodbye
Huge crowds are expected to line the streets in and around Celtic Park on Friday as McNeill’s final journey takes place.
McNeill’s body was taken to St Aloysius Church late on Thursday while the service is due to commence at 11:30am on Friday. A cortege will then travel to Celtic Park for around 1:30pm.
Celtic fans waiting at the stadium will be able to watch the service, after the club announced they will be broadcasting it live.
The day will finish off with a private burial.
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