CELTIC Football Club today announced that it will be taking part in a special fundraising match this year against Fraserburgh FC in memory of the victims of the Fraserburgh Lifeboat Tragedy. Today, January 21, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of the Fraseburgh Lifeboat tragedy.

On 21 January 1970, the local lifeboat was overturned by a freak wave in gale-force conditions while escorting a Danish fishing vessel to safety, leaving five women widowed and 15 children mourning the loss of their father.

The joint funeral of those who perished was attended by 13,000 people.

Just three months after the incident in 1970, a Celtic team, including members of the Lisbon Lions who had won the European Cup only three years earlier, travelled to Bellslea Park for a charity fundraising match in memory of those who had lost their lives.

It was a hugely emotional occasion, with Celtic’s legendary manager, Jock Stein, paying a huge tribute of respect to the victims and their families just a few days before his side were in European Cup final action again in Milan's San Siro Stadium.

The Celtic team was littered with stars, including Billy McNeill, Jimmy Johnstone, Bobby Lennox and Bobby Murdoch, as they prepared to meet their Fraserburgh counterparts.

A total 6,500 people braved the elements that day to see Fraserburgh take on the Glasgow giants at Bellslea and, in the process, raised around £2,000 for the benefit of the disaster fund.

Now, to mark the 50th anniversary of a tragedy which rocked the North East and Scotland as a whole, Celtic have committed once again to playing its part in support of the local community with funds raised going to local causes including RNLI Fraserburgh.

Celtic is delighted to confirm that it will send a team to play against Fraserburgh, with further match details now being discussed.

Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: "Clearly we have a very close connection to the tragic events of 1970, with Jock Stein and the club ensuring in 1970 that the local disaster fund was supported.

"We know for many in the local area that these events will still cause hurt and pain even after 50 years. However, after discussions with Fraserburgh FC we felt that once again we should mark this anniversary year, come together and pay our respects to those who were lost and their families".

Celtic will work closely together with Fraserburgh FC and match details will be announced in due course.

Fundraising match to be staged to help local causes