European Cup-winning Celtic captain Billy McNeill dies at 79
GLASGOW, Scotland (AP) — Billy McNeill, the captain of Glasgow soccer club Celtic when it became the first British team to win the European Cup in 1967, has died. He was 79.
McNeill died Monday, according to a family statement released Tuesday by the Scottish club.
“He suffered from dementia for a number of years and fought bravely to the end,” the family said.
McNeill played a club-record 790 times for Celtic over 18 seasons, winning nine league titles, seven Scottish Cups and six League Cups. His biggest prize came in Lisbon, Portugal, when Celtic beat Inter Milan 2-1 in the 1967 European Cup final.
McNeill also made 29 appearances for Scotland’s national team. He had two spells as Celtic manager totaling nearly 10 years.
McNeill is survived by his wife of 55 years, Liz, and their children Susan, Paula, Libby, Carol and Martyn.
