TRIBUTES have poured in for Celtic legend Tommy Gemmell after the death of the Lisbon Lion.
The Bhoys announced in a statement on Thursday morning that the Hoops great had passed away at the age of 73 after a long battle with illness.
Gemmell, who also had spells with Nottingham Forest and Dundee as well as representing Scotland, scored the equaliser for Celtic in their famous 1967 European Cup final win over Inter.
A club statement read: “It is with great sadness that Celtic Football Club announces the sad passing of Lisbon Lion and Celtic great Tommy Gemmell after a long illness.
“Our thoughts are with Mary and Tommy’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“Funeral details will be announced in due course.”
News of Gemmell's death sparked a reaction on social media, as various figures from the world of football paid tribute to the great.
🗨️ 'They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind.’
— Celtic Football Club (@celticfc) March 2, 2017
RIP, Tommy. 🦁https://t.co/BWUuERKwEq
Everyone at Dundee FC was saddened to hear of the death of former player and manager Tommy Gemmell at the age of 73 https://t.co/tVIazwkvQ9
— Dundee Football Club (@dundeefconline) March 2, 2017
Very sad news about Tommy Gemmell. He was a true Lion. A legend. https://t.co/fThNHEuzGG
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) March 2, 2017
Sad news hearing Tommy Gemmell has passed away.. Celtic great thoughts are with his family and close friends, RIP Tommy. 🍀🙏
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) March 2, 2017
Rip 🙏🏿 https://t.co/jAb3v5tvec
— Moussa Dembélé (@MDembele_10) March 2, 2017
Sad to hear Tommy Gemmell has passed away. First interviewed him for a Lisbon Lions feature 31 yrs ago. Sco football loses another great.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) March 2, 2017
A hugely sad loss. Our thoughts are with Tommy's family and friends. https://t.co/0yRTRJMG8s
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) March 2, 2017
The Club would like to send our sincere condolences to the family of @CelticFC legend Tommy Gemmell: https://t.co/2OmpkvsbWN
— Rangers FC (@RangersFC) March 2, 2017
#rip 🍀 https://t.co/duwEtTzqQx
— Bobby Petta (@bobbypetta) March 2, 2017
Tommy Gemmell RIP. A lion. pic.twitter.com/eIpeDMxGR0
— Nicky Campbell (@NickyAACampbell) March 2, 2017
Sad news about Tommy Gemmell. Scored in TWO European Cup Finals & won League Cup with Dundee AGAINST Celtic. Had great tales to tell. RIP
— Jim Delahunt (@JimDelahunt) March 2, 2017
Sad to hear of the passing of Celtic great Tommy Gemmell this morning #lisbonlion
— Jim White (@JimWhite) March 2, 2017
God bless you Tommy Gemmell 🙏🏻🍀 #Lisbonlion
— Dylan McGeouch (@DMcGeouch) March 2, 2017
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