1951-09-01: Morton 2-0 Celtic, League Cup

Match Pictures | Matches: 19511952 | 1951-52 Pictures

Trivia

  • This was one of the early all-ticket games. There was concern about the number of supporters that would travel down to Greenock for the game. Morton gave 7000 tickets to Celtic for the game and devoted 2/3rds of the ground to Celtic. Fans without tickets were urged not to travel. As it was a large number did turn up and there was over-crowding and trouble in the ground which led to fighting on the terraces at half time and bottles being thrown. A large number then invaded the pitch for safety. Incidents continued after the game outside Cappielow and arrests were made outside and throughout the night. As a result the police increased their presence at the next League Cup game. (see report).
  • Morton had just signed Linwood from Motherwell and this was his first game. Also Bobby Orr returned to form for Morton.

Review

A shock result. All prior speculation had seen this as an outright win for Celtic despite the fact that with the right result Morton themselves could qualify for the Quarter Finals. They needed to beat Celtic by 3 clear goals. They just missed out. However the game on the field was very much overshadowed by what was happening and had happened off the field. A minority of Celtic fans were blamed and this would be the first incident of the season which would eventually lead to the great Flag Controversy.

Teams

Morton:
Cowan; Mitchell, Whigham; Little, Thom, Hunter; Garth, Orr, Linwood, McGarrity, McVinish.
Scorers: Orr 2 (10, 48)

Celtic:
Bonnar; Fallon, Rollo; Evans, Mallan, Baillie; Collins, Walsh, Heron, Peacock, Tully .
Scorers:

Referee: Bowman (Motherwell)
Attendance: n.a.

Articles

  • Match Report (see end of page below)

Pictures

  • Match Pictures

Articles

Capielow, Sept 1951; League Cup v MortonCapielow, Sept 1951; League Cup v Morton