Celtic stage Fehér tribute
Thursday, November 2, 2006
Article summary
Celtic FC fans were praised for honouring former SL Benfica player Miklós Fehér.
Article body
'You'll never walk alone'
Fehér died in January 2004 after suffering a heart attack during a match between Benfica and Vitória SC, and the Celtic fans honoured his memory during last night's Group F game by displaying a banner bearing the Hungarian's name, shirt number and the words "Nunca caminharás sozinho" (You'll never walk alone).
Presentation
Following Benfica's 3-0 victory, captain Simão and striker Nuno Gomes were presented with the banner by Celtic supporters Roddy Mackay, Ritchie Feenie and David McAnsh. The trio helped raise around €1,500 in four days to pay for the banner – and handed the funds left over to Benfica, to be donated to a cardiac unit in Lisbon.
'Unique moment'
"It was a unique moment and a wonderful gesture and we want to say thank you," Nuno Gomes told uefa.com. "You don't see this often and fans around the world can learn a lot from these British supporters. We are very glad because every day we remember our friend Miki Fehér. He is always with us. This is a great display of fair play from an opposition club."
Lennon praise
Celtic captain Neil Lennon said: "You know how passionate these fans are, not just about their own club but about football worldwide. It's a tremendous gesture and they make us very proud."