Kieran Tierney made his long-awaited return to Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon — and the reaction from the Hoops faithful was nothing short of thunderous.
Fan footage circulating online captured the moment the full-back stepped onto the pitch in the second half of Celtic’s 4-0 pre-season win over Newcastle United. The roar that followed his introduction was spine-tingling, a wall of noise echoing through the east end of Glasgow as one of their own pulled on the green and white once again.
It was Tierney’s first outing at Paradise in well over five years, having left the club in 2019 for Arsenal in a record-breaking move. And though this was only a friendly, the moment carried all the emotion of a major competitive clash. For the fans in attendance, it was personal — a prodigal son returning home.
The 27-year-old didn’t hide his emotion after the game, taking to social media to thank the support that welcomed him back so emphatically.
“Wow, what a feeling, thank you so much. That was special,” Tierney posted — a short message that summed up a long-awaited moment of connection between player and supporters.
Saturday’s scenes were a glimpse into what awaits when he makes his full competitive return — set for Flag Day against St Mirren at the beginning of August.
That Premiership opener will see a packed Celtic Park witness his first meaningful minutes since 2019. If the reaction against Newcastle is anything to go by, the noise levels next month could shake the place to its foundations.
Brendan Rodgers will be pleased with how Tierney slotted in during the cameo appearance, showing sharpness and hunger and setting up Celtic’s fourth for Liam Scales. The full-back looks ready to make an impact from the off, and the fans are more than ready to embrace him all over again.
Tierney’s return has injected a feel-good factor into Celtic’s summer — and judging by the volume inside Paradise, it’s only just beginning.
Just listen to the incredible reception Kieran Tierney receives upon his return to Celtic Park this afternoon for the game against Newcastle United. pic.twitter.com/jSkVR67mhL
— The Fast Lovin’ Sin-Soaked Heathen (@fast_sin) July 19, 2025
