5 Must-Watch Moments From Celtic F.C. Vs St. Johnstone

Celtic F.C. vs St. Johnstone: A Match Full of Drama and History

The rivalry between Celtic Football Club and St. Johnstone is not as storied as other derbies, but it has produced some unforgettable football moments. From last-minute goals to dramatic victories, here are five must-watch moments from this exciting fixture that every football fan should know.

🏆 The Incredible Comeback - 1985

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The year was 1985, and the stakes couldn't have been higher. St. Johnstone was on the brink of relegation, while Celtic needed the points to solidify their position in the league.

• The Setup: St. Johnstone was leading 1-0 with only minutes to go.
• The Turnaround: Celtic's forward, Brian McClair, managed to level the score in the 89th minute, sparking chaos.
• The Victory: In injury time, Paul McStay scored a spectacular volley, turning the game around for Celtic, much to the joy of the fans at Celtic Park.

The atmosphere was electric, and the sudden shift in emotions left an indelible mark on Scottish football lore.

🎩 The Hat-Trick at Parkhead - 1991

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In an extraordinary match at Parkhead, a young forward for St. Johnstone put on a show that left even Celtic fans in awe:

• The Player: Ian Hendry stepped onto the pitch with a calm demeanor, but what followed was anything but.
• The Goals: Hendry scored a hat-trick, all three goals showcasing different aspects of his footballing prowess. His first was a sharp finish, the second a header, and the third, a cheeky backheel.
• The Aftermath: While St. Johnstone eventually lost the match, Hendry’s performance remains one of the most memorable individual displays against Celtic.

📅 The Last-Minute Glory - 2003

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A late-season clash saw both teams battling it out for crucial points:

• The Game: With the score tied at 1-1 in the dying minutes, the game looked set for a draw.
• The Hero: Paul Lambert, with a moment of brilliance, struck from outside the box, his left-footed shot curling into the top corner, securing a dramatic win for Celtic in the final seconds.

⚡ The VAR Drama - 2018

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One of the newer moments involved technology, making its impact felt in this fixture:

• The Decision: Celtic was awarded a penalty after the referee was sent to the screen to review a contentious challenge.
• The Impact: The decision caused uproar among St. Johnstone fans, leading to debates about VAR’s use in Scottish football.
• The Result: The penalty was scored, and although it was a contentious decision, it highlighted the evolving landscape of the game with technology.

🏆 The League Decider - 2007

<div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=celtic+st+johnstone+2007" alt="Celtic St Johnstone 2007"></div>

The match that could decide the fate of the league title:

• The Stakes: Celtic needed to win to secure the title, whereas St. Johnstone were aiming to play the role of the underdog spoiler.
• The Tension: The game was a tight affair, with both teams playing their hearts out. It was a showcase of football at its finest, with both teams canceling out each other’s efforts.
• The Decisive Moment: A mistake by St. Johnstone's defense led to a goal for Celtic, and they clinched the league title in a match full of pressure and drama.

These moments from Celtic F.C. vs St. Johnstone games are not just highlights; they are snapshots of the intense passion, the fine margins, and the unpredictability of football. Each encounter between these two sides brings its share of excitement, tension, and unforgettable memories.

FAQs

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What is the historical significance of Celtic F.C. vs St. Johnstone matches?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>While not a traditional rivalry, games between Celtic and St. Johnstone often have significant outcomes due to their competitive nature and historical moments that have defined seasons.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Who scored the most goals in a single Celtic vs St. Johnstone match?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Ian Hendry scored a hat-trick in the famous 1991 match, making him one of the most memorable goal scorers in this fixture.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Has VAR made an impact on these matches?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, VAR has introduced new dynamics to the game, including a notable decision in 2018 that turned the tide for Celtic.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>

Celtic and St. Johnstone have produced football that transcends the game itself, encapsulating the spirit, passion, and history of Scottish football in moments that are cherished by fans from both sides.