Atletico Madrid’s choice to sport an all-red outfit against Celtic in the midweek Champions League clash in Glasgow has stirred up considerable controversy.
The unique kit pays homage to the one Atletico wore during the 1974 European Cup semi-final against Celtic. Back then, Atletico emerged victorious with a 2-0 aggregate win, clinching the victory with a two-goal performance in their home leg following a goalless draw in Glasgow.
This victory propelled them to their very first European Cup final, which they eventually lost to Bayern Munich after a 1-1 draw and a replay. However, they went on to make history by defeating Argentine side Independiente, the Copa Libertadores champions, in the 1974 Intercontinental Cup, as Bayern declined to participate in the match, sealing Atletico’s 2-1 aggregate triumph.
Nonetheless, their victory over Celtic on their path to ultimate glory left a bitter memory in the green half of Glasgow. The 1974 match in the Scottish city is notorious for its dirty and violent nature. Atletico had three players sent off and seven booked, leading to a £14,000 fine by UEFA.
This clash, known as the “Battle of Glasgow,” infuriated Celtic due to their rivals’ approach to the game, leading to death threats against Jimmy Johnstone and Jock Stein.
Ramon Heredia and Francisco Melo, two players from that Atletico team, travelled with the club to Glasgow for the Champions League match, both having been booked on their previous visit to Celtic Park. However, it’s the decision to wear an all-red kit during this one-off occasion that has generated significant controversy before kick-off.
Tommy Callaghan, who played for Celtic in the 1974 matches, stated, “It was the most brutal game I ever took part in, it was disgusting. It was one of the games from my career which still leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I’ll never forget it and it’s not for anything good.” He described Atletico’s choice of kit as provocative.
When asked about the controversy surrounding the kit choice, Atletico captain Koke commented, “It’s an important thing for the club, but that was 50 years ago, so while it is good to have those people with us and memories are a big part of football, it is a completely different game now.”
“We are just focused on the game. It doesn’t really matter what colour of shirts we are wearing, they could be red or they could be red and white. It’s not so important for what happens in the game what jersey we wear, the most important thing is what happens on the pitch. But it’s a great gesture from the club and it’s an important part of the club’s history, what happened 50 years ago.”
Atletico’s president, Enrique Cerezo, expressed pride in the kit, both then and now. However, the club’s manager, Diego Simeone, played down its significance, focusing on the upcoming game against Celtic.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers also downplayed the issue, emphasizing that the 1974 game belonged to a different era of football.
Former Celtic striker John Hartson voiced concerns about Atletico’s choice to wear a kit commemorating the “dirtiest ever game” in 1974 and speculated that it might fuel a heated atmosphere among Celtic fans.
An article in El Desmarque contradicts the narrative, suggesting that Atletico Madrid had no alternative due to a clash with Celtic’s home kit and the unavailability of Atleti’s green away kit. They stated that the club was left with no choice but to wear the commemorative red kit for which they already had copies, though this information does not mention the availability of a blue-and-white away kit.
Atlético Madrid performance and stats
Atlético Madrid is currently 1st in the Champions League with 4 points.
In the last 2 games, it has won once and drawn once. In its last match, Atlético Madrid won 3-2 against Feyenoord.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 4 goals and conceding 3.
Atlético Madrid will play the next match in Champions League against Celtic on Wednesday 25th of October in Glasgow. The prediction is Atlético Madrid winning the match.