 Ahead of the Old Firm derby on Sunday, Neil Lennon will be in reflective mood during the minute's silence to mark the 40th anniversary of the Ibrox disaster. Billy McNeill and John Greig, the respective club captains from that fateful day 40 years ago, will lead the teams out. But before the action begins, Lennon will think back to 2 January, 1971, when 66 people lost their lives. He said: "Clearly the tragic events of 1971 at Ibrox will forever be remembered across Scottish football and indeed Scottish society. For so many people to lose their lives at a football match is simply beyond comprehension. This was a terrible human tragedy. It went beyond football and indeed completely puts the game of football into perspective. Although the Ibrox tragedy occurred 40 years ago, it was on such a scale that for many it will always be fresh in the memory. It is right therefore that this weekend, we remember and pay tribute to all those affected - the victims of this terrible tragedy and their families. I know at the time that the Celtic players and our manager, Jock Stein, were very close to what happened and it is fitting that members of the Celtic team that day will be present at Ibrox on Sunday to pay their respects. I am sure that everyone connected with the club will wish to join them all in remembering the very sad events of 1971." |