Tributes have flooded in from the world of football for Celtic and Scotland legend Billy McNeill, who has died at the age of 79.
The former captain passed away late yesterday evening surrounded by his family and friends following a prolonged battle with dementia.
READ MORE: Peter Lawwell pays tribute to 'hero and friend' Billy McNeill
The club announced the news on Tuesday morning through a statement from Billy's family.
Family’s immense sadness as #CelticFC legend Billy McNeill passes away.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 23, 2019
Scores of fans, football players, politicians journalists alike have paid tribute to the Lisbon Lion, hailing him as a hero and a true gentleman, while Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell said today was the "saddest of days" for the club.
READ MORE: Celtic legend Billy McNeill dies aged 79
Former Celtic star Chris Sutton led the tributes and hailed Billy as an "inspirational leader, a legend and a lion. He posted on Twitter: "Such heartbreaking news. Billy McNeill was an inspirational leader, a legend and a lion. Thoughts go out to his family and the Celtic family."
Such heartbreaking news. Billy McNeill was an inspirational leader, a legend and a lion. Thoughts go out to his family and the Celtic family☘️
— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 23, 2019
Responding to Celtic's announcement on Twitter, Liverpool defender and former Celtic star Virgil van Dijk wrote: "🙏"
Billy McNeill, @CelticFC & @ScotlandNT legend, has died at the age of 79.
— FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) April 23, 2019
In 1967, he became the first British man to lift the European Cup - one of a staggering 3⃣1⃣ major trophies he won with Celtic as player and manager 👏 #RIP pic.twitter.com/oeQTGSGw3k
Former Celtic winger Paddy McCourt also expressed his sadness following the news.
He tweeted: "Terribly sad news today regarding Billy McNeill ‘ without doubt one of the most inspirational Celtic players of all time.I would meet him occasionally in and around Celtic Park & he was always the gentleman.Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends. Rest In Peace Billy"
Terribly sad news today regarding Billy McNeill ‘ without doubt one of the most inspirational Celtic players of all time.I would meet him occasionally in and around Celtic Park & he was always the gentleman.Thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends🙏🏻. Rest In Peace Billy🍀
— Paddy McCourt (@PaddyMcCourt15) April 23, 2019
Ex-Celtic star and Evening Times columnist John Hartson said: "Sad news the Great Billy Mcneill has passed away.. a true Giant of the game, Leader and inspirational figure.. RIP Big Man thoughts are with the Mcneill family at this sad time"
Sad news the Great Billy Mcneill has passed away.. a true Giant of the game, Leader and inspirational figure.. RIP Big Man thoughts are with the Mcneill family at this sad time 🙏🏻
— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) April 23, 2019
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon described McNeill as a "giant of Scottish football". She tweeted: "Very sorry to hear of the passing of Billy McNeill, a giant of Scottish football. The tributes from across the game today speak volumes about the affection in which he was held"
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Billy McNeill, a giant of Scottish football. The tributes from across the game today speak volumes about the affection in which he was held
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) April 23, 2019
Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: "Word legend often over-used but in this context it hardly seems adequate. Sad news of Billy McNeill's passing, he was a true giant of the game. Immortalised by that iconic image of him lifting the European Cup. He also spoke bravely about his battle with dementia."
Word legend often over-used but in this context it hardly seems adequate.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) April 23, 2019
Sad news of Billy McNeill's passing, he was a true giant of the game. Immortalised by that iconic image of him lifting the European Cup.
He also spoke bravely about his battle with dementia. https://t.co/K4uPDjgLXZ
The Times' Chief Football writer Henry Winter tweeted: "A true footballing legend and a gentleman. RIP"
A true footballing legend and a gentleman. RIP. https://t.co/gsYoiVtCx7
— Henry Winter (@henrywinter) April 23, 2019
Scottish broadcaster and BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast host Nicky Campbell tweeted the famous photograph of Billy lifting the European Cup in 1967 with the caption "RIP Billy McNeil A gentleman."
RIP Billy McNeil A gentleman. pic.twitter.com/snf1ijs1m6
— Nicky Campbell (@NickyAACampbell) April 23, 2019
A number of Scottish and English clubs also posted condolence messages on their Twitter accounts.
The Directors, players and staff of Rangers Football Club are today saddened to learn of the death of Celtic legend Billy McNeill.
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) April 23, 2019
Everyone at Rangers today sends their condolences to the family and friends of Mr McNeill.https://t.co/w9GGPsss3z pic.twitter.com/THIH0q1CXR
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of our former manager, Billy McNeill who has passed away at the age of 79. pic.twitter.com/s0edjiyIUP
— Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) April 23, 2019
💚| Everyone at Easter Road was saddened to hear of the passing of Billy McNeill, who spent a short time at Hibs as mentor to then-manager Jim Duffy.
— Hibernian FC (@HibernianFC) April 23, 2019
➡️ https://t.co/T4pds5HC8E pic.twitter.com/kSJlg7kaao
We are sad to learn of the passing of Billy McNeill who managed the Club between 1983-86.
— Manchester City (@ManCity) April 23, 2019
Everyone at Manchester City would like to send our sincere condolences to Billy's family. 💙 pic.twitter.com/GVnooh05Yj
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