Stevie Chalmers dead: Celtic announce 1967 European Cup match-winner has died, aged 83
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Your support makes all the difference.Celtic are mourning the loss of a second Lisbon Lion in the space of a week after the club confirmed the death of Stevie Chalmers, the man who scored the winning goal in the famous 1967 European Cup final, at the age of 83.
The Scottish Premiership side announced that Chalmers died early on Monday morning surrounded by his family, leaving behind his wife Sadie, children Stephen, Carol, Paul, Ann, Martin and Clare, and both grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The tragic news comes exactly a week after former Celtic captain and manager Billy McNeill passed away, having had the honour of becoming the first man from a British club to lift the European Cup in 1967 thanks to Chalmers’ goal.
A statement from his family, issued via the club, read: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stevie Chalmers, our loving father and devoted husband to Sadie. The Celtic legend was surrounded by family when he sadly passed away early this morning."
Chalmers had been suffering from dementia in recent years. The statement added: "In recent times Stevie endured the toughest of battles, but just as he approached every game in a green and white jersey, he tackled his long-term illness with much bravery and dignity."
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell paid tribute to “legend” Chalmers, and highlighted that the short time since McNeill’s death makes the news all the more tragic.
“This is such terrible news, and on behalf of the club, I would first of all like to pass on my condolences to Stevie’s wife, Sadie, their children, Stephen, Carol, Paul, Ann, Martin, Clare, and their grandchildren,” Lawwell said in a statement.
“Stevie was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this desperately sad time.
“This is a particularly devastating time for the Celtic Family, with the passing of Stevie Chalmers coming so soon after his friend and former team-mate, Billy McNeill. My condolences also go to the Lisbon Lions, already mourning the loss of their captain, and now grieving the death of another one of their own.
“Stevie Chalmers was a Celtic legend, and one of the greatest goalscorers this club has ever seen. Indeed, only three other legends in Jimmy McGrory, Henrik Larsson and Stevie’s close friend, Bobby Lennox, have scored more goals.”
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, now a TV and radio pundit, tweeted: "Such a sad week. RIP Stevie Chalmers."
Chalmers, a Glaswegian, was one of Celtic's greatest goalscorers, netting 231 times in 12 years for the club. He also won four league titles and three Scottish Cups as well as earning five caps for Scotland.
"He felt honoured and privileged to have played alongside the Lisbon Lions, and this camaraderie and friendship carried on long after their playing days as the team became lifelong friends," the statement added.
"Celtic was an integral part of Stevie's life and he devoted much of his career to the famous Glasgow club. He was adored by Celtic supporters in Scotland and around the world, especially for his passion, loyalty and integrity."
The Scottish Football Association tweeted: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of former @ScotlandNT and @CelticFC player Stevie Chalmers."
Chalmers left Celtic in 1971 and had spells at Morton and Partick Thistle before retiring in 1975.
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