This morning, I am certain we at 25thMay1967 will not be alone among the Celtic community in setting aside our own bitter disappointment at yesterday’s debacle to express our deepest sympathies to the family of Liam Kelly and of course, to the young player himself.

Kilmarnock’s fourth-most-experienced campaigner at just 21 years of age, what may well prove to be Liam’s greatest achievement in football is henceforth forever tainted by the Hampden Disaster that struck in those frantically tense closing minutes, as Celtic tried desperately to claw their way back into the game and force extra time.

Funny old game?  Yes … and sometimes the cruellest of masters.

Bill Shankly:

“Some people believe football is a matter of life and death.  I am very disappointed with that attitude.  I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”

Great line, Shanks … but try telling the Kellys that this morning.

For any Celtic supporter, tragic parallels to the Victoria Infirmary saga of our own young Johnny Thomson underline the horror of the aftermath of Jack Kelly’s collapse amid the triumphal Killie euphoria at the national stadium yesterday afternoon.

Thoughts, prayers and sympathies …

Johnbhoy