The Night We Got The JUNGLE Back

For the first time EVER I was late for a Champions league game. Ten minutes after kickoff I had just reached the far end of the buspark. Normally I would have been frantic as I love the huddle and the Champions league music but last night I was happy to stroll. For the first time ever I could see paradise at night from the outside and take in the sight. Celtic park looked like a huge spaceship and I could hear the oohs and ahhs of the crowd. It was a most pleasant experience and I swear I could see the ghosts of Ronnie,Bobby, and Jinky swirling above the stadium. yep there was definitely something special in the air.

I got into the park 15 minutes after the start and settled down to watch the game. It was the usual cracking Euro atmosphere, very loud and and a treat to be part of but I have had nights like this before. It was however just a little bit different and I could not put my finger on the reason. THEN it happened. Something so fantastically magical that I will remember it for the rest of my days. Something which ranks alongside hearing your newborn cry when it is born, something so special that makes you catch your breath and stops you in your tracks.

It came from nothing absolutely nothing. It was the 31st minute of the game. I know that because I had to look at the clock afterwards, No reason, I just had to do it.

There was a lull in the play. The ball had gone out for a throw in and the usual "you do it or will I do it" scenario was happening, a lull that you knew would not last long. I heard a sound coming from the support, a sound which is probably the most traditional sound at Celtic park, A sound that had been around since day one. that sound was simply one word being chanted over and over again celtic....celtic.....Celtic.....CEltic....CELTic....CELTIC....
Around me people in the crowd for no reason relating to the play started to stand up, more and more people around the ground started to stand and behind the chants of Celtic...Celtic a noise started. A beautiful noise a roar, the loudest most beautiful roar that got louder and louder and rose to the sky. A roar so Loud that it would reach across Glasgow and echo up to heavens. A Celtic roar that got louder and louder and LOUDER. and then it happened, it happened.it really really happened. perhaps only for Ten seconds But for as long as I live it will be with me. For in those seconds Celtic park GOT THE JUNGLE BACK.