CELTIC supporters at Parkhead tomorrow night may be puzzled to see their Bodo/Glimt counterparts waving giant yellow toothbrushes in the air during the first leg of the Conference League knockout round play-off.

But toothbrushes have been a bizarre symbol of the Salten outfit’s fanbase for nearly 50 years now – and the Eliteserien champions even have their own range which is sold across Norway.

The oral hygiene tool became an emblem of “The Yellow Horde” during a North Second Division game at their Aspmyra Stadium in 1975 when one of their number was trying to start a chant.

Arnulf Bendixen grew frustrated at their lacklustre efforts so he asked around for a baton to conduct the singing - and a nearby fan passed him a toothbrush which he had in his pocket.

A representative of the toothbrush manufacturer Jordan was sitting in the stands at that match and he arranged for the supporters to receive several large yellow demonstration toothbrushes afterwards. 

“It became a symbol for us supporters,” said Bendixen. “It helped us get in everywhere and when we were away it became very important.”

Jordan launched their Bodo/Glimt range of regular-sized toothbrushes back in 2009.

They were initially only available in the club shop, but were soon put on sale nationwide.

“We are very proud that the toothbrush has become such a strong symbol for Bodø/Glimt and that it has such a special place in history,” said Jordan representative Tom Pettersen.