![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/eece882711fb5c8ba310a1b96abfcad1.webp\"\/)
<\/p>\nFrom the heat of Portugal to the cold of England, again in the centre of European success, Celtic were bound for Yorkshire on 1 April 1970\u2026<\/p>\n
The Celtic team wave to the travelling Celtic support before the European Cup semi-final first leg at Elland Road, Leeds on 1st April 1970. Photo The Celtic Wiki<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
It was there that a team dubbed \u201cEngland\u2019s greatest\u201d lay in wait. Just 6,000 tickets were made available to the Celtic faithful but an estimated 13,000 fans travelled down.<\/p>\n
The demand was so great that British Rail put on a Football Special service. The train departed Glasgow soon after midday and arrived in Leeds some five hours later. The Yorkshire Post said of the support: \u201cNothing has happened quite like it in Yorkshire since the Roman legions left York.\u201d<\/p>\n
The trip to Leeds was unique. On the journey down, the Celtic squad were entertained by Rangers fanatic and great comedian Lex McLean. Then Celtic were required to wear alternative coloured socks to avoid a kit clash. Of the red or blue socks available, Jock Stein elected for his side to don the red pair.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
He claimed that: \u201cThe socks will look orange under the lights. It\u2019ll look like we are wearing the colours of the tri-colour, that\u2019ll please the fans.\u201d <\/p>\n
The result itself was also unique in that it was the first victory on the road throughout the season\u2019s European campaign.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/cdce40f26e691daced06b33aee8867e8.webp\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Matchday programme, Leeds United v Celtic, European Cup semi-final 1st April 1970. Photo The Celtic Wiki<\/p>\n
The trip on the Football Special made for an atmospheric and drink fuelled journey. As the conclusion neared, the singing escalated. Carriages holding hundreds were swaying to the sounds of familiar old cries of rebellion.<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
Mixed in were tales of Celtic\u2019s great history and foregone legends. With the station in sight a great cheer went up and voices arose from the rear of the carriage: \u201cSaid Lizzie to Philip as they sat down to dine, I\u2019ve just had a note from an old friend of mine.\u201d <\/p>\n
The rest of the train clapped, stamped and thudded the roof to the beat. A sense of community and passion rang true. The version continued with great resonance, hitting a crescendo with the lyrics: \u201cTo keep Celtic down you will have to deport the fighting mad Irish that give them support!\u201d<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
The night was even better when George Connelly scored in the opening minute of the match. The goal ensured Celtic won 1-0, and the Bhoys then won the return leg at Hampden Park in front of a European record attendance of 136,505. Jock Stein\u2019s men were in another European Cup Final and had proved themselves to be the finest team in Britain to boot.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/11f7be299e0304286e863796fa70c8fd.webp\"\/)
<\/p>\n
Celtic players celebrating after beating Leeds Utd in the first leg of the European Cup semi-final on this day in 1970<\/p>\n
Advertisement<\/p>\n
56 years to the day later, Celtic have never reached such heights again.<\/p>\n
Liam Kelly<\/p>\n
Post your own thoughts in the comments section below\u2026<\/p>\n
Quick Tip \u2013 Add thecelticstar.com as your \u2018Preferred Source\u2019 on Google News for quick access to the Celtic content you value the most. It takes just a few seconds and you\u2019ll notice the difference straight away! \u2013 Click HERE<\/a>\u2026.Hail Hail!<\/p>\n Click to join Celtic Pools<\/p>\n More Stories \/ Latest News<\/p>\n Leeds United v Celtic \u2013 1970 European Cup semi-final \u2013 The Football Special service<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Apr 1 2026, 12:48<\/a><\/p>\n Leeds United v Celtic \u2013 1970 European Cup semi-final \u2013 English Arrogance<\/p>\n