THIS happy bunch of Celtic fans were on their way to Amsterdam 50 years ago.

The supporters were heading to see their team play Ajax in a European Cup tie.

There was some drama off the pitch before kick-off – Indonesian separatists had threatened to kidnap some of the Ajax players and Celtic were given police surveillance round the clock, and advised not to leave their hotel rooms.

The players were chirpy however, having just beaten Raith Rovers 7-1 in the Scottish Cup the previous weekend.

Afterwards, not so much, as Celtic were beaten 3-0. (Celtic won 1-0 when the teams met again a couple of weeks later, at Hampden instead of Parkhead, because Celtic’s stadium was being renovated.)

Poor Steve Chalmers, however, was doubly disappointed after the first match and it had nothing to do with the score.

The Evening Times reported that the council had refused his application for an off-licence on Maryhill Road because he did not attend the meeting in person - as he was in Amsterdam with Celtic.