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A TREAT FOR TIMDOM – THE CELTIC STORY OF JOHN FALLON

By David W Potter

Most home match days, there will be a figure, now somewhat grey-haired and craggy, but still very robust and athletic, standing near the Celtic Superstore talking animatedly to all and sundry about football and Celtic. This is John Fallon, once the red-haired idol of the Celtic fans, but now in genteel retirement, and doing what he loves the most – watching his beloved Celtic.

John cannot have missed many games over the years since he retired, and he has been spotted at venues like Love Street, Easter Road, Brockville and Rugby Park when Celtic are supplying the opposition.

John Fallon was born in Blantyre (where he still lives) round about the time of The Battle of Britain in 1940, and 18 years later joined the only team that he was ever likely to want to play for – Glasgow Celtic.

His debut came against Clyde in September 1959, and in one of his early games at Arbroath, he was seen to make a save and then turn to the punters behind the goal and give them the “thumbs-up” sign. This horrified the traditionalists, but showed the Celtic fans that he was one of us.

For a while he was the understudy to the eccentric Frank Haffey of Wembley infamy. Frank was a good goalkeeper, although capable of many “howlers”. John kept working away waiting for his time to come. It duly did as things began to pick up in November 1963, and Fallon had a good second half in that season. Nothing was won, but there was a good run in Europe, and on one occasion at Greenock in January 1964, Fallon turned round to his fans with arms aloft to show his appreciation of a good goal scored at the other end. An over-zealous policeman then told him to stop doing that, for it might incite the fans!

For Fallon, the relationship with the Celtic fans was crucial. In a very special sense, they were Celtic. Fallon would make the utmost effort to talk to the snotty-nosed youngsters whom the Welfare State had not quite reached in 1964. He would be seen talking to the ballboys, even at away grounds, and on one train journey to Aberdeen, came out of the compartment specially to talk to the fans when the other members of the team gave the impression that green and white supporters’ scarves got in the way. On that occasion, when the train stopped at Stonehaven, a couple of youngsters in the red and white of Aberdeen got on, and they too were talked to by this unassuming young man whom they clearly did not believe to be Celtic’s goalkeeper!

The arrival of Stein in 1965 was preceded by that of Ronnie Simpson, a veteran of the Olympic Games of 1948, and two English Cup Finals with Newcastle United in 1952 and 1955. Yet Stein did not seem to like Simpson, and in Stein’s first Scottish Cup triumph, that glorious day of deliverance in April 1965, it was Fallon who was in Celtic’s goal. He saved the day on more than one occasion, when the Pars pressed hard, he swung on the crossbar at the final whistle, then rushed off to hospital to be with his wife Essie as she gave birth the following day.

There was little wrong with Fallon or Celtic’s world in spring 1965.

But John had a bad day (in the eyes of Stein at least) in a game at Ibrox in September 1965 and Simpson was now given the nod. Many a lesser man would have taken the huff, handed in a transfer request and thrown the toys out of the pram. Not a bit of it with this man. He became friends with Ronnie Simpson, made a point of sitting beside him on the team bus and learning all that he could from this luminary of the game.

John Fallon was thus a spectator at Lisbon, but still counts it as one of the greatest games of his life. Pictures clearly show him jumping off the bench at the final whistle and rushing to congratulate Ronnie.

He was called upon at short notice to play in the World Club Cup Final in Argentina in November 1967 when Ronnie Simpson was struck with a missile. It was something that needed a great deal of courage, but John let no-one down.

Everyone recalls the dreadful John Fallon moment of January 1968. Ronnie had pulled out through injury, and John played at Parkhead against Rangers. His followers looked on in dismay as he made two errors to give Rangers an undeserved draw.

Yet everyone identified with him several months later when Celtic wrested back the initiative in the Championship race. He was playing at a deserted Parkhead against Raith Rovers Reserves. He neither knew nor cared what the score was, but he did know that the first team were winning the Glasgow Cup at Hampden that night, and that Morton had drawn with Rangers in the Scottish League. Celtic duly won the Championship, and 1968 would not be known as “Fallon’s folly”.

But 1969 was his “annus mirabilis”. An injury in February more or less ended Simpson’s career, and thus Fallon was involved in that glorious month of April when Celtic won all three domestic trophies. The sweetest was the 4-0 beating of Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final, when John survived some dreadful treatment from some thuggish Rangers forwards and saved everything that came his way.

Just to put a little icing on the glorious Treble cake that was 1969, Fallon then played in the League Cup Final of that year, saving brilliantly twice from Benny Rooney of St. Johnstone to win another medal.

It was often said that Stein could not judge a goalkeeper. He certainly did not keep one for long, and by the end of that season, John had lost out to Evan Williams, a competent but by no means brilliant keeper.

John thus missed out on the European Cup Final in 1970, and although he hung around until 1972, it was obvious that he was permanently out of favour. He moved to Motherwell and later Morton, but his heart remained where it still is to be found on match days, at Parkhead.

If you see John Fallon, go up and talk to him! He is surely what Celtic Football Club is meant to be about!

John Fallon – (TheSun interview)

JOHN FALLON has no problem recognising Jock Stein’s remarkable achievements as Celtic’s greatest ever manager.

But one of the most decorated keepers in the Hoops’ 127-year history will never forgive Stein for how he treated him at Parkhead.

Fallon’s autobiography ‘Keeping in Paradise’ was launched yesterday in, ironically, the Jock Stein Lounge at Celtic Park.

On the front cover there’s even a praiseworthy quote from the legendary manager stating ‘John Fallon is an outstanding example . . . we can be proud of him’.

Fallon, though, told SunSport those words were never voiced to him by Stein — a man he scathingly describes in the book as being ‘duplicitous’ and ‘manipulative’.

Back-up to Ronnie Simpson for the 1967 European Cup triumph, he has harboured bitterness towards one of the club’s most revered figures for 50 YEARS.

In his eyes, the late Stein was a football genius — but appalling with man-management.

Fallon’s hard-hitting book published today doesn’t miss the giant who famously became Hoops boss in 1965 and transformed an ailing team into the best in Europe and virtually unbeatable in Scotland, winning nine successive titles and 13 cups.

At the heart of it all was Fallon.

He was overshadowed by Simpson, yet still featured in some of the club’s most momentous games.

Celtic’s first ever Euro tie against Valencia in 1962, the 1965 Scottish Cup Final triumph over Dunfermline, the infamous 1967 away World Club Championship matches against Racing Club, the victory over Real Madrid in Alfredo di Stefano’s testimonial, the 4-0 thrashing of Rangers in the 1969 Scottish Cup Final.

Fallon played 184 times for Celtic and kept 61 shutouts. However, he didn’t ever feel Stein believed in him.

The 75-year-old said: “I still feel bitterly disappointed by Stein. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forgive him.

“I respect everything he did in football. But his man- management? It was dreadful.

“In my early days as a junior he tried to move me on and I refused to go. I think he held it against me.

“I played in a lot of big games, but I don’t think he ever believed in me.

“I reckon he only played me because he had to.

“I played exceptionally well in di Stefano’s testimonial. But after the game all Stein could say to me was ‘That’s what you’re getting f****** paid for’.

“Stein stopped me from playing for Scotland and Republic of Ireland. I’m sure of that.

“A well-known journalist from that era, James Sanderson — someone who was well connected and close to Stein — told me a few years after I left the club that he hadn’t wanted me involved at international level.

“I felt sick. It was bad enough him making sure that I missed out for Scotland, but he did the same with Ireland who I qualified for through my grandfather. I only spoke to Stein once in the 13 years between me leaving Celtic in 1972 and his passing in 1985.

“He actually BANNED me from Parkhead, or at least from going through the front door.

“After I left Celtic I went up to the entrance for a night game against Inter Milan. The doorman stopped me and said bluntly I wasn’t welcome, that he was acting on orders.

“It must have come from Stein.

“I said to the doorman ‘Tell him he can stuff it’.

“A day or so after I got a call from Stein’s secretary to say he wanted to see me at the ground. I went up to the park for the agreed time. But he never faced me, instead it was Sean Fallon sent out. I thought that summed up Stein.

“I still went to Celtic games, but it was through the turnstiles.

“It was only when Billy McNeill became manager six years later that I got back in through the front door. Billy made me welcome again.

“There was even an episode when Stein turned up at my house and called me a bigot. He also said ‘The fans don’t want you and I don’t want you’.

“My wife showed him the door. If he’d stayed much longer I would have hit him.”

Through the years diehard supporter Fallon has watched various Celtic keepers struggle to avoid criticism, no matter how well they might be playing.

He said: “It’s very, very difficult being a Celtic goalkeeper.

“You can’t make one mistake. I met two wee boys recently who never even saw me play and yet one of them said to me ‘YOU, you sold the jerseys!’.

“I came in at 19 years old and played with my heroes — Bertie Peacock, Bobby Evans, Eric Smith, Neilly Mochan.

“I felt I was as good as anybody. Thinking about my Celtic career fills me with pride — seven League medals, two Scottish Cup, three League Cup, two Glasgow Cup, the European Cup medal.

“I was part of two Treble- winning teams, 1967 and 1969.

“It’s marvellous being Celtic No 1 when things are going well. But when you’ve blundered and the team’s losing it can be hell. There’s no hiding place.

“The best I’ve seen since I left the club is Artur Boruc. Craig Gordon’s not far behind him.”

Return of the European Cup medal

“After we won the cup… we went to this restaurant, and (Inter) Milan were late in coming. I think they had taken the ‘cream puff’ because they got beat. It took a long time, so we just wanted the meal over with. They were told to be there, so they came. They weren’t too happy; they weren’t talking to anybody. Billy (McNeill) was called up by the president or the chairman, and he was handed this brown box, “That’s your medals.” He started with Ronnie, and gave everyone a medal… There was one left, and he went, “That’s yours.” So that was the 12th. I remember putting it on the table, putting it into the top pocket of my blazer. We were sitting talking away, time passed, and Big Jock came up.“Where’s your medal?” I said, “It’s in my pocket.” “Give me it.” “What for?” “Aw, they forgot one for the referee.” I gave him it, and I got a replacement at the Christmas dance in Glasgow… I just looked at it and said, “Ah, that’s the same medal.”I never thought about it, and it wasn’t until somebody said to me, “It’s not a real medal you’ve got.” It didn’t have a stamp on it and it’s a different colour… It’s more of a golden one. The European (medal) was a red gold. When I looked at my medal it was shiny. It (the original) was made in Switzerland; this one was made in Birmingham. It was a certain director, who looked after a lot of the players (Willie Haughey), turned around and told me the real story – It went to Bob Kelly… It never went to the ref.”
John Fallon

John Fallon: Celtic mourn death of unsung Lisbon Lion with ‘bizarre and barely believable’ medal story

https://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/celtic/latest-celtic-news/john-fallon-celtic-mourn-death-of-unsung-lisbon-lion-with-bizarre-and-barely-believable-medal-story-5237208
Matthew Elder
By Matthew Elder

Deputy Sports Editor

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Published 22nd Jul 2025, 20:39 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2025, 21:04 BST
Former goalkeeper passes away at age of 84

Former Celtic goalkeeper and Lisbon Lion, John Fallon, has died at the age of 84.

Fallon joined Celtic in 1958 and made almost 200 appearances for the club over a 14-year period.

An unsung member of the squad which defeated Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup final, Fallon was an unused substitute during the historic 2-1 victory over the Italian side.
John Fallon in action for Celtic during the 1969 League Cup final victory over St Johnstone at Hampden.
John Fallon in action for Celtic during the 1969 League Cup final victory over St Johnstone at Hampden. | SNS Group 0141 221 3602

Though he was the only member of the squad not to take to the field in Lisbon’s Estádio Nacional, he was given a medal by the late Billy McNeill at a post-match dinner.

But what should have been a keepsake for Fallon and his family was taken away from him in controversial circumstances.

According to his autobiography, published in 2015, the club’s manager, Jock Stein, asked for his medal back. Fallon was then presented with a replica, while the real medal ended up with Sir Robert Kelly, Celtic’s chairman.

It was, Fallon observed, a “bizarre and barely believable” episode which reflected badly on those who ran the club at the time.

Some 52 years on, however, amends were made when Fallon was reunited with the original medal, after it was donated back to the club by an unknown owner.

Fallon was presented with the medal once again – this time by Celtic’s chief executive, Peter Lawwell – at a home game against Kilmarnock in 2019.

“It feels great to be reunited with my medal, and I’ve got to thank Peter Lawwell and everyone at Celtic for going to all this effort and finding the medal that was lost,” Fallon said at the time.

“I did get a replica one at one point, but it didn’t seem the same. It was such a surprise, I got a phone call about a month ago telling me that Peter wished to see me.

“He told me the story of how the medal had been found, so I was very proud to receive it and it adds to the collection.”
Lisbon Lion John Fallon was reunited with his European Cup medal in 2019.
Lisbon Lion John Fallon was reunited with his European Cup medal in 2019. | SNS Group

Fallon, from Blantyre, said he will never forget the celebrations at full-time as McNeill lifted the trophy.

He recalled: “We were wading through scores of fans to get off the park and into the dressing-room. It’s such a great memory. We’ll never forget it and it’s something everyone should be proud of.”

Fallon was also part of the Celtic side that clinched the 1965 Scottish Cup, Jock Stein’s first trophy win as manager, and he is well remembered for his acrobatic and joyous celebration that day as McNeill’s late winner ended an eight-year trophy drought for the club.

As well as the European Cup, throughout his time with Celtic, Fallon helped the club to six league titles, five League Cups and two Scottish Cups.

After leaving Celtic, he went on to play for Motherwell and Greenock Morton before retiring from the sport in the mid-1970s.

His love for Celtic, however, was a constant throughout the years, and he followed the club at home and away for the rest of life.

A Celtic statement read: “[John’s] passing comes as a great sadness to us all, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with Celtic Football Club are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Fallon attended the funeral of fellow Lisbon Lion John Clark last month.

Celtic’s ’12th Lisbon Lion’ John Fallon dies aged 84
Story by Gavin McCafferty, PA
https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/general/celtic-s-12th-lisbon-lion-john-fallon-dies-aged-84/ar-AA1J5utw

Former Celtic goalkeeper John Fallon – the 12th Lisbon Lion – has died at the age of 84, the club have announced.

Fallon was the only Celtic substitute when Jock Stein’s side beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the Portuguese capital to win the European Cup in 1967.

The Cambuslang-born goalkeeper joined Celtic in 1958 and made almost 200 appearances over a 14-year period.

He played in the team that kick-started Celtic’s trophy success under Stein with victory over Dunfermline in the 1965 Scottish Cup final and went on to collect 14 winners’ medals in total before leaving for Motherwell. He also had a brief spell with Morton before retiring.

A statement from the Scottish champions read: “His love for Celtic, however, was a constant throughout the years, and he followed the club at home and away for the rest of life.

“His passing comes as a great sadness to us all, and the thoughts and prayers of everyone connected with Celtic Football Club are with his family and friends at this sad time.”

Fallon was reunited with his European Cup winners’ medal in 2019, having lost it in the wake of the final.
The memento was donated to Celtic, who returned it to its rightful owner.

Speaking at the time, Fallon told the Celtic website: “We were wading through scores of fans to get off the park and into the dressing room. It’s such a great memory.

“We’ll never forget it, and it’s something everyone should be proud of. For the Celtic supporters, we gave them something to look at that nobody else could.”

Fallon attended the funeral of fellow Lisbon Lion John Clark last month.

Lisbon Lion John Fallon’s lifelong unshakeable passion for Celtic

Lisbon Lion John Fallon’s lifelong unshakeable passion for Celtic

By Niall J 23 July, 2025 No Comments
John Clark and John Fallon
John Clark in action as John Fallon gathers the ball in the 1965 Scottish Cup final win over Dunfermline. Photo The Celtic Wiki

John Fallon, who sadly passed away yesterday, may not always be listed among the most celebrated names in Celtic history—but his contribution to the club was as heartfelt and vital as any…
John Fallon talking about Lisbon
John Fallon at the Greenock CSC in May 2017. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

A lifelong Celtic supporter, John Fallon embodied everything the Celtic stands for – loyalty, humility, and an unshakeable passion for the club.

Signed as a youngster, Fallon made his senior debut in 1959 and stepped in as first-choice keeper in 1963 after Frank Haffey’s departure. Just as he began to establish himself, a turning point came with the arrival of Jock Stein and the experienced Ronnie Simpson.

Fallon found himself playing backup, a role he took on with both grace and professionalism.
Ronnie Simpson and John Fallon
Celtic v. Rangers Ronnie Simpson and John Fallon hug each other after the 2-1 defeat of Rangers. 23rd October 1965

He was a key part of Celtic’s squad during one of the club’s most successful eras. Fallon celebrated his first major honour with a Scottish Cup win in 1965, famously seen swinging from the crossbar in delight as Billy McNeill scored a last-gasp winner. Yet later that year, Simpson would permanently claim the No.1 jersey.

Despite limited appearances, Fallon remained a crucial squad member during the legendary 1966–67 season. He featured only once—a 2-0 win over Kilmarnock—but travelled to Lisbon as the sole substitute allowed under the rules at the time. Although he didn’t step onto the pitch in the European Cup Final, his role was far from passive.
The Celtic team of 1964 Back row: Young , Thomas Gemmel , John Fallon , John Clark , Billy McNeill , Kennedy Front row: Jimmy Johnstone . Bobby Murdoch , Stevie Chalmers , Gallagher , Hughes. Photo TopFoto

In a symbolic act of defiance orchestrated by Stein, Fallon was sent out early to claim the bench closest to the halfway line—sending a message to Inter Milan that this Celtic team wouldn’t be intimidated.

Controversially, Fallon’s winner’s medal was taken back at the behest of chairman Sir Robert Kelly, who felt it inappropriate for someone who didn’t play to receive one. Yet many, rightly, saw this as unjust. Fallon was part of the squad, the preparations, and the spirit of that team. Thankfully, he received a replica medal later that year, and in 2019, the original was returned to him—an overdue correction of a wrong.

His time in Lisbon may have been spent on the sidelines, but Fallon proved his quality just weeks later in Alfredo Di Stefano’s testimonial at the Bernabeu. In front of a packed Madrid crowd, he helped Celtic to a 1-0 win and earned widespread praise.
Dukla Prague v Celtic
John Fallon leads the Celtic celebrations on the bench as Celtic reach the European Cup Final with a 0-0 draw away to Dukla Prague to give Celtic a 3-1 aggregate win. Photo The Celtic Wiki Dukla Prague v Celtic

Later that year, during the infamous World Club Championship clash against Racing Club of Argentina, Fallon was called into action when Simpson was injured by a missile from the crowd. Thrown into an ill-tempered contest, Fallon produced an outstanding display across the second leg and a brutal playoff in Uruguay. His performances drew admiration, with one commentator famously asking, “If that’s the reserve keeper, what must the other guy be like?”

Domestically, Fallon’s resilience continued to shine. After a shaky Old Firm outing in early 1968, he bounced back, helping Celtic secure another double in 1969. He played a key role in the League Cup and Scottish Cup finals, particularly against Rangers where he showed both composure and character under pressure.

With Simpson’s retirement, Fallon briefly reclaimed the No.1 shirt and added another League Cup medal in 1969. However, the arrival of Evan Williams again limited his chances. He still contributed to Celtic’s run to the 1970 European Cup final before departing for Motherwell and later Morton.

Though he was never capped for Scotland, Fallon holds a unique honour—he remains the only Scottish goalkeeper to have played in two Intercontinental Cup finals. His contributions may not have always made headlines, but they left a lasting mark on the club and its history.

Until the end, John Fallon remained a true Celtic man—visible in the stands, passionate about the club, and vocal about its values. He participated in documentaries and spoke candidly about the challenges faced by players and supporters alike in his era.
John Fallon
the original holy goalie, John Fallon, with his European Cup medal

John Fallon sadly passed away yesterday. He may not have played in Lisbon, but he was—and always will be—one of the Lions. A deeply committed Celt, and forever part of the Celtic story.

Requiescat in pace, John, YNWA

Niall J

Tributes to John Fallon, who gave so much to his beloved Celtic

https://www.celticfc.com/news/2025/july/23/tributes-to-john-fallon–who-gave-so-much-to-his-beloved-celtic/
Club News

By Celtic Football Club

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23 Jul 2025, 12:35 pm

The Celtic Family are mourning the loss of John Fallon, who died yesterday at the age of 84.

The former Celtic goalkeeper, who was part of the squad that created history with the European Cup triumph in 1967, made almost 200 appearances for the club over a 14-year period.

And during that time, John helped the club to six league titles, five League Cups, two Scottish Cups and, of course, the European Cup.

Paying tribute to the Lisbon Lion, Celtic Chairman Peter Lawwell said: “We are all deeply saddened to lose John, and I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to John’s family and friends.

“John was someone who served the club brilliantly over so many years. He helped Celtic to deliver so much domestic success and will forever be remembered as part of the squad to reach the pinnacle of European success.

“He was a man, too, who showed such commitment to Celtic long after his playing career was over, week in, week out throughout his life, supporting the club so passionately home and away.

“He achieved so much for the club and gave so much to Celtic. Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family.”

And Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson said: “John’s contribution to Celtic was immense and I know his loss will be so deeply felt by so many.

“In particular, we think about John’s family who have lost someone so special to them and everyone at the club extends our deepest sympathies to them.

“John made a very special contribution to Celtic over such a long period and we will forever be grateful for what he gave us all.

“He was a hugely passionate supporter of the club and we thank him sincerely for all he gave to Celtic throughout his life.

“He will be very sadly missed right across the wider Celtic Family.”

Funeral Notice

https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-notices/22-07-2025-john-fallon/?sfnsn=scwspwa

Write up within the notice is by John’s daughter Elaine

Born on 16th August 1940 to Patrick and Jane Fallon, John was the youngest of five children. A bright but stubborn boy, he refused his place at Grammar school, choosing instead to attend St Bride’s – because they had the better football team. While this decision caused uproar at home, it went on to pay dividends when he signed for Celtic at 18.

Over the next fourteen years, John helped the club to six league titles, five League Cups, two Scottish Cups and the European Cup, earning him the title of a Lisbon Lion.

This time of John’s life was exciting both on and off the pitch, as he met his wife Esther in the weeks following his signing. The pair married on 5th March 1962 and over the next six years went on to have five children – Thomas, John James, Brian, Stephen and Elaine.

Following his retirement from football, John continued to follow Celtic both home and away, passing his love for the club on to both his children and grandchildren. He was a proud and dedicated grandfather to Natalie, Sean, Nicole, Kevin, Louise, Leanne, Marco, Lloyd, James and Monica. He was always on hand whenever they called, no task too great, nothing was more important (except, maybe, Celtic).

In December 2018, John was devastated by the passing of his wife Esther. However, he found great comfort in his faith, which gave him the strength to continue through life. He regularly attended mass in both St Joseph’s and St John Ogilvie Churches until his final weeks of life, and encouraged his family to do the same. He was extremely grateful for the support provided by Frs Delaney, Chromy and Furmage until his final hours.

On 22nd July, John passed peacefully in Hairmyres Hospital, surrounded by the family he held so dear. He now joins his wife Esther, his parents, siblings, and many friends, in eternal rest, having lived a life rich in love and reward, and beholden to his beloved “Three Fs”.

Faith. Family. Football.

If you wish, in lieu of flowers, the family would be happy with any donations made to The 12th Lion School.