The story of Celtic playing against clubs in more than two countries

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The Celtic Star

·30. September 2025

The story of Celtic playing against clubs in more than two countries

Given the usual home/away nature of European football, it is no surprise that Celtic have played many clubs in at least two countries. However, in some cases, it has happened in even more locations than this…

The two teams ahead of kick-off Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia. Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

Last week, Celtic played Crvena Zvezda (better known as Red Star Belgrade). In doing so, this marked the fifth country in which Celtic have faced the Serbian team (technically, at least).

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Celtic first met Red Star in 1968, beating them 5-1 in Glasgow and then drawing 1-1 in Belgrade, which was then classed as Yugoslavia. In 1977, the Bhoys took part in a world tour which included games against Red Star in Singapore and also Australia.

Jock Stein with the trophy after a 2-0 win over Red Star Belgrade in Australia on 31 July 1977. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Last week, the Celts’ Europa League campaign began in Belgrade. Although this is a city where Celtic have previously faced Red Star, in fact it is now classed as Serbia, making it a fifth official country.

This is not the first team that Celtic have played in five different countries, and it is not even a club record. Another team that the Bhoys have played in five countries is Liverpool.

Like Red Star, Celtic have faced the English side on three different continents. There have been numerous competitive and friendly games between the sides in England and Scotland. In 2004, the Celts lost to the Anfield side in the USA but nine years later the Hoops gained a 1-0 win in Dublin.

John Hartson of Celtic scores the second goal during the Liverpool v Glasgow Celtic UEFA Cup Quarter Final, Second Leg match at Anfield in Liverpool, England on March 20, 2003. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Some more high profile matches between the clubs in the 1980s took them to another location. With English clubs banned from Europe between 1985 and 1990, a Dubai Cup was held in the United Arab Emirates, pairing the English and Scottish champions. Celtic twice played the Reds, with each team claiming one victory.

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However, the record for Celtic playing teams in different countries involves another English side: Tottenham Hotspur have faced Celtic in six countries.

Spurs Dave Mckay closes in on Willie Wallace of Celtic during a friendly match at Hampden Park between Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic on August 5, 1967 in Glasgow, Scotland (Photo by Don Morley/Allsport /Hulton Archive/Getty Images

In 1951, Celtic took part in a North American tour, which included matches in the USA and Canada against Spurs. More obviously, Celtic and Tottenham have also had fixtures in Scotland and England at different times.

In addition, the Celts have played the North London men in Finland; the Scottish side lost 6-1 in a 2014 pre-season friendly in Helsinki. Furthermore, in 2008, Celtic were invited to play in the Feyenoord Jubilee Tournament which included a match against Spurs in the Netherlands.

The Celts have also faced numerous sides in four countries, usually with Canada and the USA featuring in this list.

Celtic’s 1951 tour did not just match them with Spurs, Fulham were also the Bhoys’ opponents in Canada and the USA. In later years, the Hoops would also face this club in Scotland and England.

This same experience was true for AC Milan in 1968 when the Celts faced off against the Italians in Canada and the United States. The Canada game – which was played in Toronto – saw Celtic win the one-off CNC Cup of Champions, which is still on display at Celtic Park. Since that US experience, Celtic have played AC on different occasions in Scotland and Italy.

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Another club the Celts have played in four countries is Manchester United. At various times – in friendlies and competitive games – the two teams have played in England and Scotland. In 1970 and 2010, they also met in Canada, and in 2003 and 2004 there were US games as well.

Photo – imago/Colorsport Eric Cantona & Liam Miller compete for the ball

Celtic have also met Manchester United in Ireland, but not as a first team game. In 2018 – under sad circumstances – a ‘Celtic legends’ team took on a ‘Manchester United legends’ side. This was a benefit game played in honour of Liam Miller who died earlier that year aged only 36.

Some notable ‘four country’ instances are connected to European finals, with positive and negative memories.

Celtic v Feyenoord, 1970 European Cup Final in Milan on 6 May 1970. Feyernoord won 2-1 AET. Photo The Celtic Wiki

One side that Celts would perhaps rather forget is Feyenoord. The two teams first played in 1970 in Italy, when the Dutch team won the European Cup. Celtic and Feyenoord have also played friendlies and European fixtures in Scotland and the Netherlands.

In 1982, they also took part in a pre-season friendly in Germany, making it four countries. The German game was an exciting 4-3 win for the Dutchmen, and included notable players such as Ruud Gullit and Wim Van Hanegem, who played in the 1970 final.

Celtic captain Billy McNeill holds aloft the European Cup after Celtic’s 2-1 victory over Inter Milan in the 1967 European Cup Final in Lisbon. Photo Imago.

A more happy memory concerns Inter Milan. Celtic of course beat the Italian side in Portugal in the 1967 European Cup Final. Since then, the Celts have played the ‘Black and blues’ in Italy and Scotland, as well as a 2016 friendly in Limerick in Ireland.

In terms of teams that the Celts have faced in three countries, there is a substantially longer list. One has another European final link. Porto – who beat Celtic in the 2003 UEFA Cup Final – have opposed the Celts in Spain, Portugal and Scotland.

21/05/03 UEFA CUP FINAL CELTIC v FC PORTO (2-2) (2-3 aet) Henrik Larsson (left) scores for Celtic. Photo IMAGO

Other examples involving three countries have negative connotations. Owing to a controversial Glasgow game in 1984, Celtic played Rapid Vienna in Scotland, Austria and then another match in England, at Old Trafford in Manchester.

Similarly, in 1967, European champions Celtic took part in the Intercontinental Cup, playing against South American champions, Racing Club. After an aggregate draw from matches in Scotland and Argentina, a playoff was held in Uruguay. Celtic lost a bad-tempered game 1—0.

The Battle of Montevideo. 4th November 1967, Racing Club 1-0 Celtic, Intercontinental Club Cup. Photo The Celtic Wiki

One major change to European competition in recent years has been to introduce one-tie matches, removing the home and away feature. In the long run, this will reduce the number of countries in which the Celts play against opposing teams.

Can you think of any other clubs that the Celts have met across multiple countries?

Matthew Marr

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Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

We’re certainly Putting on the Style with the new promotion from Celtic Star Books. David Potter’s final book – Celtic in the Eighties – has been selling wonderfully well since its launch earlier this month. It is by far our fastest-ever seller. Order one of the last remaining copies of Celtic in the Eighties and Danny McGrain will sign it for you PLUS you’ll receive a copy of David Potter’s wonderful book on Willie Fernie as a free gift.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has now agreed to sign the final batch of Celtic in the Eighties. Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny and a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last, from Wednesday of this week (Danny is signing the books on Tuesday evening).

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Please note that postage will only be charged on ONE book.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.