Celtic supporters will have the chance to bid a final farewell to Lisbon Lion John Clark this Friday, as the club icon is laid to rest at the age of 84.
The former defender, who was a cornerstone of Jock Stein’s all-conquering side of 1967, will make one last journey past Celtic Park when his funeral cortege travels down the Celtic Way at approximately 1.15pm.
Fans are invited to gather at the stadium to pay their respects to a man who served the club for nearly 50 years across various roles, including player, coach, assistant manager and kitman.
Born in Chapelhall, near Airdrie, Clark famously partnered Billy McNeill at the heart of Celtic’s defence as the Hoops lifted the European Cup in Lisbon, defeating Inter Milan in what remains the club’s greatest achievement.
Over the past week, supporters have turned Celtic Park into a shrine of remembrance, laying scarves, wreaths and messages in tribute to one of the club’s most revered figures. The outpouring of affection reflects the deep connection Clark had with Celtic and its fans across generations.
His funeral mass will be held at 12 noon on Friday, July 4 at St Mary’s Church in the Calton – the same historic church where the club was founded in 1887. Due to limited space inside the church, supporters are encouraged to watch the service live on Celtic’s official YouTube channel, which will stream the mass in full.
A club statement read: “John Clark was a Lisbon Lion, a cornerstone of our greatest ever team, and a dedicated servant to Celtic across seven decades. This Friday, we come together to honour his incredible legacy.”
The occasion promises to be a fitting tribute to a man whose life was intertwined with Celtic’s rise to greatness. From European glory in Lisbon to his quiet dedication behind the scenes in later years, John Clark’s legacy will live on through the stories, songs and memories shared by those who watched him play and knew him off the pitch.
As Celtic prepares to say goodbye to another of its immortals, the call has gone out to supporters: gather at Paradise this Friday and help give John Clark the send-off he so richly deserves.
