“FAREWELL”:’Celtic Honors ‘Super Joe Hart’ in Emotional Final Home Game Tribute’…Read more
“Joe Hart’s Legacy Lives On: Celtic Fans Give Retiring Keeper an Emotional Home Game Farewell”
Joe Hart received a hero’s ovation as he was substituted near the end of his final home game. The 37-year-old, who will retire from football this summer after over 700 appearances, struggled to hold back his emotions at Celtic Park on Saturday during his team’s win over St Mirren.
Brendan Rodgers‘ side concluded their Scottish Premiership season in style, finishing eight points ahead of Rangers after securing another championship under the Northern Irishman. As a tribute to Hart, who will become a pundit after retiring, Rodgers substituted him for backup keeper Scott Bain in the 88th minute. The stadium erupted in chants of ‘Super Joe’ as he received applause from his teammates.
As Hart left the field, he was hugged by both Bain and Rodgers before embracing his teammates on the bench.
Joe Hart received a hero’s reception after being substituted in his final home game. The goalkeeper will retire at the end of the season, having made over 700 appearances in his career. After the game, he took to the microphone to thank Celtic fans for their warm welcome. Since joining from Tottenham in the summer of 2021, Hart has played 152 games for Celtic, with only the Scottish Cup final against rivals Rangers next Saturday remaining.
During his time at Celtic, Joe Hart has won three Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish League Cups, and one Scottish Cup, with hopes of adding another next week.
Before joining Celtic, Hart played for West Ham and Burnley after leaving Manchester City in 2018, following Pep Guardiola’s arrival. At City, he made nearly 350 appearances, winning two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, and two League Cups. He also earned 75 caps for England, participating in four major tournaments.
After the game, Hart addressed the Celtic Park crowd, expressing his gratitude. “I’ve never felt professionally that special before in my entire life,” he said of the send-off. “From the bottom of my heart, I absolutely adore every single one of you, everyone associated with this football club. This is such a special place. It’s not a club that needs explaining. You guys are absolutely phenomenal. You’ve made me feel so special and humble. Thank you, I absolutely love it, thank you so much for having me.”Earlier in the
He lifted the Scottish Premiership title once more at full time, having contributed to his team’s success under Brendan Rodgers. Hart struggled to hold back tears when he saw a tifo dedicated to him as he emerged for the second half. 
A Santa delivered the Premiership trophy for Celtic to lift at the end of the game on Saturday. The crowd cheered for the Santa dressed in green as he presented the trophy, with “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” playing in the background.
In contrast, during Celtic’s defeat to Hearts in December, a Santa was introduced to the home crowd and met with boos as Rodgers’ side struggled early in the season. Additionally, when Rangers won the League Cup, a Santa paraded the trophy around the pitch at Ibrox.
Celtic ultimately had the last laugh, as the relationship between the fans and the character came full circle, resulting in cheers upon his arrival on Saturday.
COMMENTS
