CELTIC'S Lisbon Lions, the first British side to win the European Cup when they beat Inter Milan in 1967, were yesterday honoured by the club to mark their contribution to the history of Celtic Park.
The club announced that the East Stand will be named the ''Lisbon Lions Stand'' and the official naming will be carried out just before the kick-off at Tuesday's match against Bayern Munich.
The idea came from the club's supporters, who voted through the club magazine, Celtic View, the website, hotline, and fanzine. The Lions were overwhelming winners from former managing director Fergus McCann, who came second in the poll.
Other votes were also cast for John Thompson, the club's goalkeeper during the thirties, who died after injuries received in an Old Firm match.
Allan MacDonald, Celtic's chief executive, said: ''As we start on the journey of a new millennium, at this point it is appropriate for us to recognise again and honour Celtic's team of the last millennium, the Lisbon Lions, the first British and non-Latin team to win the European Cup.''
Billy McNeill, the Lions' captain, said: ''We are all delighted and honoured by the stand being named the Lisbon Lions Stand. It is a fitting gesture and, on behalf of the Lions, I would like to thank the club and, in particular, the support, for nominating us for this.''
Before the Bayern match, each member of the Lions will be presented with a parchment scroll, providing a seat for life in the Lisbon Lions Stand, and a silver quaich.
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