Penulis 
You know those events that are defined by the phrase: "Where were you when?" Those monumental moments in history when something so significant happens it can only be measured to yourself by looking at your location when the event took place. There are many famous ones: JFK's assassination, Whitney Houston's death, Princess Diana's
Had we not won that day the old Rangers would have strengthened their grip over us while we sank into a deep depression wondering if we would ever topple them. Celtic were a mess on and off the park during the entire Rangers 9 in a row era and even in that triumphant season we managed to shoot ourselves in the foot by losing Wim Jansen. The Dutchman was to leave the club a few days after he wrote himself into the history books and the uncertainty which had plagued us for 9 years returned with a vengeance. It would be another 3 years before we would win the league again.
Oh but that day in 1998 was such a sweet moment, I was 14 and remember every moment of it like it happened yesterday. Having attended a non-catholic school most of my football chat was with gloating Rangers supporters who never hesitated to stick the knife into myself and other Celtic fans. We had listened to it for 9 years, from primary to secondary with only the 1994 Scottish Cup win to help us understand what seeing Celtic be successful felt like. Too young to remember the title wins of the eighties we knew this day in 1998 was going to be special. My goodness it didn't disappoint.
My morning started with an early breakfast and in those days most of the games I watched on the TV were with my Papa. He is an incredible man, his passion for Celtic was infectious and a big part of my love for the club today. He didn't get to any games but he would watch every one on the TV or listen on the radio. Celtic vs St.Johnstone wasn't on the box that day and we had agreed the night before I would go round to his house to listen to the game on his wireless. Upon my arrival I noticed that there was no one in the house. Kick off had already taken place and the radio was still blaring in the living room but my Papa was nowhere to be seen. At that point Celtic scored through Henrik Larsson prompting me to jump around the living room like a maniac. Suddenly I caught sight of my Papa outside through the window. He was tending to his garden! Confused I made my way outside and wondered why the hell his garden could be more important than listening to this game! I shouted at him excitedly that Celtic were up 1-0. He looked at me and said "are they" Again I was confused until I saw a little smile and his full face light up. He came indoors immediately and we sat and listened to the rest of the game nearly wrecking the living room when Harald Brattbakk put us out of sight later on in the game.
Since that day I have never asked him why he wasn't glued to his radio for that game. This was a guy who lived and breathed Celtic, who mentions their European Cup win in every conversation about football. However I understand now that he simply couldn't bring himself to tune in. Celtic's entire future rested on a positive result that day and although we could never have predicted our rise and the other mob's eventual demise we still had to win. As it happens old Rangers picked up 3 points against Dundee Utd so we would have lost the league. My Papa only came in when Celtic were winning because he had been put at ease. Doing the garden was his way of coping with the pressure of that day. Every generation suffered during those barren years and sometimes I feel there are fans out there so spoiled with recent events they wouldn't be able to take the pressure we all felt then. My Papa still lives and breathes the hoops and even at 76 he know's the difference between liquidation and administration. Cheers Papa, God bless you and God bless the famous Glasgow Celtic,
Where were you when Celtic stopped the 10? What's your favourite Celtic memory? Tell us in the comments.
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