Tributes flood in for Celtic legend Bertie Auld after club confirm he is suffering with dementia

By John McGinley

June 17, 2021

Celtic supporters are paying tribute to Bertie Auld this afternoon after the club confirmed that the legendary midfielder is suffering with dementia.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “Bertie Auld’s family would like all Celtic fans and football fans in general to keep Bertie in their prayers as they confirmed today that he is suffering with Dementia.

“The family would like to thank everyone for their huge support and request privacy during this difficult time.

“Bertie is being well cared for at his own home, surrounded by all the family.

“Everyone at Celtic would like to add their best wishes to Bertie and his family. Bertie is a true Celtic icon, one of our greatest sons and someone the Club and our supporters love and respect dearly.

“We will continue to give Bertie and his family all our love, care and our ongoing full support at this hugely challenging time.”

Auld is an icon to many generations of Celtic supporter. I was born in the 1980s, but such is the character and legacy of his time at Celtic that he is as much a legend to me as anyone else.

He made 283 appearances in total for the club, scoring 84 goals. [Fitba Stats] Along the way, he had an incredible trophy haul including six Scottish titles, five league cups, four Scottish Cups and of course, the ultimate prize, the European Cup. [Celtic Wiki]

I cherished watching videos of his elite play at the highest level with Celtic growing up. Anyone who has met the man will tell you that the stories he tells never disappoint. Every time he gives an interview I am enthralled.

Celtic legend Bertie Auld / (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Mark Leech Sports Photography/Getty Images)

He’s a wonderful man who has always spoken positively about Celtic and never wavers in his support for the club. Put simply, he’s an inspiration.

This is heartbreaking news. Every good thought and prayer I can muster is offered to him and his family today.

As you can imagine tributes are flooding in for the Lisbon Lion on social media.

Hundreds of supporters have already got in touch to share positive messages, with thousands more to follow.

This is just a small slice of what Bertie Auld means to Celtic supporters of all ages…

In other news, Ange Postecoglou’s phone call to Leigh Griffiths.