All of Celtic’s rivals have united to offer their condolences after the passing of Billy McNeill last night.
Cesar made 790 appearances for Celtic over an 18-year spell. He captained the Lisbon Lions to European Cup glory in his finest hour at Parkhead, but that was just one of an endless list of achievements.
But, more importantly than any of his footballing honours, McNeill was a genuine gentleman. His passing has united the entire country, as well as some voices down south who have been paying their respects on social media.
Here’s a full list of club posts from rival outfits after today’s tragic news (WARNING: There are many of them)
And there will be more
Fair play to every single club who have come out and paid their respects. This undoubtedly won’t be the last of other clubs paying their tributes either. At the time of writing, there will likely be even more being added.
But it shows how highly regarded Cesar was during his career. He was the first Briton to ever lift the European Cup in triumph. That, quite simply, is a sensational achievement that therefore deserves to be remembered for eternity.
But no words can truly sum up what the McNeill family have lost today. It’s at a difficult time like this that the family of Cesar have to be in our prayers. For even though we lost our greatest ever captain, the McNeills have lost a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
Celtic posted an emotional social media video of the Hoops legend earlier today. The likes of Sir Alex Ferguson, Scott Brown, and Jim Craig have all come forward and given statements today too. These came after Neil Lennon and Peter Lawwell provided their emotional words this morning.
It’s no coincidence that the sun in Glasgow has temporarily halted. This is a dark day for Scottish football, and the country is in mourning at losing one of its finest ever sportsman and gentleman.
Credit to all clubs who have come forward and subsequently put their arm around Celtic. Rivalry can take a back seat, because for now it just doesn’t matter.
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