Daizen Maeda scores to win the Premier Sports Cup Final for Celtic at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star
In December 2024, the Bhoys met theRangers at Hampden Park. Just ten days before Christmas, each side hoped to claim an early present of the League Cup. An exciting match went to extra time, but still neither side could claim victory, although they did share six goals between them. Penalties were again needed and, this time, Celtic made no mistake. Daizen Maeda eventually stepped up to score the last kick and give the Bhoys a 5-4 penalties win.
Sometimes there have been moments of final controversy too, both helping and hindering Celtic. The Bhoys lost 2-1 to Rangers in the 2003 final, which included a ludicrous decision to chop off a John Hartson equaliser for being offside, despite the Welshman being well onside.
John Hartson offside? That call won Rangers FC a trophy. Photo The Celtic Wiki
However, Celtic have also benefitted from some decisions, including the 2019 final where Christopher Jullien scored the winner against the second Ibrox team, the call was much closer that the one above but this time to went in Celtic favour.
Despite the fact that Celtic have sometimes had negative runs in the League Cup, the 21st century has been a period of particular success for the Bhoys. As of 2024, they have reached 15 finals, winning all but three of them. And in fact, the Celts’ past eight Hampden visits for a League Cup Final have all ended with green-and-white ribbons on the trophy. This includes four as part of Celtic’s Quadruple Treble run.
Brendan Rodgers celebrates with his players after lifting The Premier Sports Cup after the victory over theRangers at Hampden on 15 December 2024. Photo AJ for The Celtic Star
The Scottish Cup has always been seen as “Celtic’s favourite cup”. Indeed, one book by the legendary Celtic Historian David Potter described the trophy as exactly this. However, the League Cup also has a special place in Celtic history, not only for some fantastic finals but also as part of Celtic’s Treble successes.
As the tournament heads towards its 80th final, the Celts will want to build on the success they have previously enjoyed, with 22 wins to date. And maybe soon there will be another moment like 1957 to spark Celtic songs and celebrations that will continue down the decades.
Matthew Marr
CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES by DAVID POTTER – OUT NOW!
Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.
Help raise funds for Celtic Youth Academy by playing the Celtic Pools Weekly Lottery and you could win up to £25,000. The lottery is £1 per week. Click on image to join.
