Atletico Madrid’s decision to wear an all-red kit against Celtic in Wednesday night’s Champions League clash in Glasgow has provoked no shortage of controversy.
The one-off kit is reflective of the one the Spanish giants wore against Celtic in the 1974 European Cup semi-final. Atleti won that tie 2-0 on aggregate thanks to their two-goal home leg victory after a goalless encounter in Glasgow and progressed through to their first-ever European Cup final.
While Los Rojiblancos lost out to Bayern Munich in the final – which went to a replay after a 1-1 draw – they would go on to beat Argentine side Independiente, Copa Libertadores champions, in the 1974 Intercontinental Cup. That was because Bayern refused to participate in that game, with Atleti going on to make history with their 2-1 aggregate triumph.
Yet their win over Celtic en route to their eventual glory still rankles badly in the green half of Glasgow. The clash between the sides in the Scottish city in 1974 has gone down as one of the dirtiest and most violent in football; Atletico had three players sent off and seven booked, while they were fined £14k by UEFA. In what became referred to as the Battle of Glasgow, Celtic were infuriated by their rival's approach to the game, after which Jimmy Johnstone and Jock Stein both received death threats.
Two of the players from that team, Ramon Heredia and Francisco Melo, travelled on the club flight to Glasgow for Wednesday’s Champions League game. Both were booked on their previous trip to Celtic Park. However, it is the all-red kit from the Spanish club – seemingly being used for this one-off trip – which has caused furore ahead of kick-off.
Tommy Callaghan, who played for Celtic in those 1974 games, told the Record: "It was the most brutal game I ever took part in, it was disgusting. It was one of the games from my career which still leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I'll never forget it and it's not for anything good." He described Atleti's decision to wear the kit as a "red rag to a bull."
When asked about the controversy the choice of strip had sparked, Atleti captain Koke said: “It’s an important thing for the club, but that was 50 years ago, so while it is good to have those people with us and memories are a big part of football, it is a completely different game now.
“We are just focused on the game. It doesn’t really matter what colour of shirts we are wearing, they could be red or they could be red and white. It’s not so important for what happens in the game what jersey we wear, the most important thing is what happens on the pitch. But it’s a great gesture from the club and it’s an important part of the club’s history, what happened 50 years ago.”
Atletico president Enrique Cerezo said of the kit: "It fills us with pride now as it filled us with pride then." However, the club’s boss Diego Simeone has downplayed the significance: “People can interpret things any way they want. Wednesday is just about the opposition. Celtic is a tough rival, with some really strong players. I really admire the way they play football and it is going to be a tough game.
“In their games against Lazio and Feyenoord, especially in the first 60-70 minutes, they played at a really high tempo. They are good in transition and have a strong system that they stick to. They will press you in your own half and playing here, it is a really historic stadium.”
Simeone added: “As well as the history of 1974, my father told me about 1967 when they played Racing Club (in the Intercontinental Cup). It’s a huge club. One of the most famous in the world. Newspapers will have their headlines but what matters to me is the stadium, the history and the crowd. It is a huge game, the Champions League and their fans will be hoping to get a win. We are going to approach the game with a lot of enthusiasm and vigour.”
Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers also sought to downplay the issue when asked: "You’re looking for something but for me, it doesn't. The game was 1974, I was one. I’m aware of the game and football has changed since that time as well so no, my team is purely on this game."
Former Celtic striker John Hartson lamented on The Go Radio Football Show: "Talk about setting yourself up. Atletico Madrid, they are top of the group and going really well in the Spanish league. I don't think they need to noise things up even more and wear a shirt that commemorates football's 'dirtiest ever game' in 1974 - I mean, what a headline that is.
"I just think it's ridiculous really and I think it might go ahead. And if you want a hot and hostile atmosphere then wear that kit, because I know the Celtic fans will respond."
A report in El Desmarque contradicts the narrative; stating that Atletico were told by UEFA that their home kit would clash with Celtic due to the prominence of white in both tops, while Atleti’s green alternative was also unavailable. That report states that the club have no alternative other than to wear the commemorative red kit, for which they already had copies. This does not mention that they do have a blue-and-white away kit.
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