Celtic announced this evening that a special fundraising match is due to take place against Fraserburgh FC this year in memory of the victims of the Fraserburgh Lifeboat Tragedy.
On 21 January 1970, 50 years ago today, five people died when a lifeboat local to the area capsized in stormy conditions as it assisted a Danish fishing vessel.
A few months later Celtic took part in a fundraising match in memory of those who had lost their lives.
Jock Stein and his legendary Lisbon Lions travelled to Fraserburgh just days before the 1970 European Cup Final to help raise thousands of pounds.
Now, in 2020, Celtic will again play its part in support of the local community with funds raised from the special fixture going to local causes including RNLI Fraserburgh.
As quoted by the official club website, chief executive Peter Lawwell said: “Clearly we have a very close connection to the tragic events of 1970, with Jock Stein and the club ensuring in 1970 that the local disaster fund was supported.
“We know for many in the local area that these events will still cause hurt and pain even after 50 years. However, after discussions with Fraserburgh FC we felt that once again we should mark this anniversary year, come together and pay our respects to those who were lost and their families.”
Match details have yet to be announced, but the club will send a team to play Fraserburgh, who currently play in the Highland League.
No doubt it’s a match that will be well supported by the local community and perhaps even some travelling Celtic fans, especially if the team is strong, as it was in 1970.
Legendary figures Billy McNeill, Jimmy Johnstone, Bobby Lennox and Bobby Murdoch were all included in the action 50 years ago as 6,500 people turned out to help raise £2,000 (CelticFC.net).
Celtic’s last league game of the season came on 18th April that year and with the Bhoys not due to play Feyenoord in Milan until 6th May, there was an opportunity to take part in the emotional match on 28th April.
It would be fitting if Neil Lennon and his first-team squad took part, 50 years down the line, once the season ends.
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