Mass emigration due to the great Irish famine saw Glasgow’s population explode and with that came great poverty and hardship. The club was formed by first and second generation Irishmen led by a Marist Brother, Brother Walfrid, to help the starving population in the East end of the city. In short the club was founded as a charity to raise funds for the poor, both Irish and otherwise ….hence the reason why the Irish flag flies over the stadium; also Celtic’s first manager was Irish; and he moved from Ireland to Scotland to manage the club; and over the years many Irish players and those of Irish descent and staff who have played, or managed, at Celtic.

That is why they have more fans within the UK than the so called bigger clubs like Arsenal, Man United and Chelsea.