Celtic travelled to Canada in July 1982 to take part in a four team Toronto-based tournamnet sponsored by brewery giant Labatts.

The Hoops would be contesting the round-robin tournament with local sides Toronto Italia, Toronto Pan-Hellenic and Dinamo Zagreb. Both local sides were envisaged to be little more than fodder for their European rivals and the organisers had pencilled in a winner takes all final clash between Celtic and Zagreb.

However the Bhoys got off to a humiliating start as they were thrashed 4-1 by Toronto Italia at the Varsity Stadium. Celtic, who had arrived in the city little more than 24 hours before, had clearly underestimated their rivals and the jet lag and lack of preparation saw them wilt in hot and humid conditions. There was however no excuse for a shocking and unacceptable display.

Celtic's next game was against Toronto Pam Hellenic - a team regarded as at least the equal of Toronto Italia. Celtic this time stormed to a 7-0 victory. Dinamo Zagreb were next for the Bhoys but with the Yugoslavs seemingly already crowned tournament winners Celtic decide to pull out of the fixture and the match was never played.