An incredible clash with Hibs at Celtic Park in February 1996…
Today we get set to face Hibs at Celtic Park, and it’s fair to say that we’ve had a few memorable clashes with the Hibees throughout the years in Paradise, with one of those being a fixture played out in early February 1996.
Celtic went into the game unbeaten in nine matches, and were still very much in contention for the title with big spending Rangers so as you’d expect, three points was what was demanded, and expected from the overwhelming percentage of the Celtic Park crowd.
Things didn’t exactly go to plan when Darren Jackson, not exactly a popular figure in the eyes of the Celtic support put the visitors in front on the 25th minute, but the goal had it’s controversy as Keith Wright who laid on the assist for Jackson’s goal looked to have fouled John Hughes in the build up, but referee Sandy Roy was having none of it, and Celtic goalkeeper Gordon Marshall was booked for his protests.
The players headed in at the interval a goal behind, and Tommy Burns had a big 15 minutes to re galvanise his players in a bid to turn the game around.
It seemed to have worked as the players started the second period in a furious fashion, and swamped the Hibs goal at every opportunity.
Then in the 54th minute an incredible incident turned the game on its head, and in Celtic’s favour.
JOHN COLLINS. 1995 – 1996 CELTIC PHOTOCALL. Photo: Allsport UK/ALLSPORT
Hibs goalie Jim Leighton came off worse in a clash of heads with John Collins, and his match looked to have ended as he was stretched off with blood streaming from his head. Whilst Collins re entered the fray, Leighton had to be replaced, but with no sub goalkeeper on the bench, it was left to goalscorer Darren Jackson to take the gloves.
Celtic immediately took advantage of Jackson’s inexperience between the sticks, as the Hibs man fumbled a high ball, which left Pierre Van Hoojidonk with the easiest of tap ins, and it was game on.
Celtic continued to swarm the Hibs goal with the unsure Jackson in goals, but remarkably Leighton was ready to return, and Jackson gladly took of his shirt and gloves as he returned to his natural position, but incredibly the referee refused to let the experienced Scotland goalie come back on as he still had blood running from his wound.
Even more incredibly, the play still raged on with Jackson now in the middle of the park, and Leighton still on the sidelines. Celtic took advantage of the inept officiating and were baring in on the unmanned Hibs goal, only for the game to be halted once again.
During the confusion the ball landed in the net, but the whistle had already gone, as players from both side directed their fury at the officials, it really was a farcical moment.
PAUL MCSTAY. 1995 -1996 CELTIC PHOTOCALL. Mandatory Credit: Allsport UK/ALLSPORT
Leighton was eventually cleared to return, but he was helpless as Paul McStay hit what turned out to be the winner in the 67th minute. It was a fantastic effort from the Maestro as he rolled back the years with a splendid effort from outside the box which beat his international teammate all ends up to nestle in the top left hand corner of the net. Indeed it was the skippers first goal of the season, and what a perfect time to register it.
Despite peppering the Hibs goal, Celtic failed to gain the cushion of a two goal advantage, and in the end held on for a massive three points. A truly remarkable game that those who attended will never forget.
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