Rap star Snoop Dogg will be in good company if he decides to throw his cash behind former European Cup holders Celtic. The Glasgow club already have a number of celebrity fans from around the world. Ahead of their key Champions League match with Benfica in Libson, we take a look at the more notable followers of the Bhoys.
Hollywood actor Gerard Butler is most renowned for his roles in 300, Law Abiding Citizen and The Bounty Hunter, but will play a former Celtic and Liverpool player in his next film 'Playing for Keeps'. "I went to many Celtic games when I was growing up, cup games, European Championship matches and Old Firm games and it's your life," says Butler. "I think that's why it hits you more profoundly than something like standing at a Hollywood premiere. It brings back everything you were steeped in, your history, your passion, your family's passion and all those memories you have in that stadium, the times where you're literally about to explode with excitement, passion, anger or joy."
Comedian Billy Connolly and singer Rod Stewart have seats with their names on them next to each other in the main stand at Celtic Park. Stewart started crying when he thought of his late father after the 2-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League a fortnight ago. "It meant that much to me. It was about me and Celtic — and me and dad. I was just so full of pride. It overcame me."
Former Oasis star Noel Gallagher has become as much a fan of Celtic as Manchester City since attending the 6-2 win over Rangers in an Old Firm match (pictured above) some 12 years ago. "Celtic for a long time had some nondescript managers such as John Barnes. When Martin O'Neill went to Celtic, I was so pleased because I knew he was a proper Celt," said Gallagher. "Manchester City v Celtic? — I couldn't go to that one; I'd just hope the score would be 6-6. However many tickets you could print, Celtic would bring fans. I've been in Manchester when United have played Celtic and the atmosphere is unbelievable for a friendly."
International singing star Susan Boyle is a regular visitor to Celtic Park and sang club anthem 'You'll Never Walk Alone' before the team's 2-0 win over Helsingborgs in their final Champions League qualifier in August.
Formula One tycoon Eddie Jordan is pictured caddying for his fellow Celtic fan, Irish golfer Paul McGinlay. "For Celtic to become the first British club to win the European Cup, with all Scottish players, lasts in the memory of everyone," says Jordan. "When Celtic lost to Porto in the UEFA Cup final in Seville, they lost with great dignity. There were more fans outside the ground behaving perfectly well than inside it."
Johnny Marr, former guitarist with The Smiths, has supported Celtic since he was a teenager and rates manager Neil Lennon as one of his favourite players to wear the Hoops.
Irish pop band Westlife are known for their love of Celtic. "It's a club that is steeped in history and has such strong ties to Ireland," says Nicky Byrne, pictured second from left. "Some of the big names in Irish football have played for Celtic in recent years — Neil Lennon, who manages the team now, Roy Keane and Robbie Keane to name but a few."
Nadine Coyle. WoS was left to choose between Coyle and Martine McCutcheon for this spot, and opts, almost at random, for Coyle. They are equally lovely.
Scottish Indy 500 racing champion Dario Franchitti and actress wife Ashley Judd. Franchitti could not hide his delight after Celtic beat Barcelona a day after the Glasgow club's 125th birthday. He said on Twitter: "Happy Birthday! Celtic2 Barcelona 1. Brilliant!!"
'Jigga' Jay-Z. Okay. This one is a bit tenuous, but the American rap star is apparently aware of the goings-on at Celtic. He even posed for a picture holding the club's scarf above his head a few years ago. With Snoop Dogg poised for a place on the board, Celtic could be the first club to hold a sell-out title party in their stadium away from a game... and the boardroom certainly won't be short of Cristal.
