When it comes to football, pop star Elton John may be a Watford fan but the sight of fellow chart-topper Rod Stewart crying in the stands after Celtic beat Barcelona prompted him to contact the Glasgow club.
A tearful Stewart, a life-long Hoops supporter, was captured by television cameras amongst the Parkhead crowd following Celtic’s astounding 2-1 win over football giants Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Amidst all the praise from within football for this victory, Celtic manager Neil Lennon said being contacted by John was one of the more surprising spin-offs.
“I had a lot of texts from people in the game which was fantastic but I got a call yesterday (Thursday) from left field from Sir Elton John believe it or not, congratulating me,” Lennon said Friday.
“I thought my missus was winding me up but it just shows you the interest it has generated among a lot of people.
“I don’t think he was as emotional as Rod but he did tell me when he was chairman of Watford and they got to the 1984 FA Cup final (won by Everton) he was so emotional that he did cry before the game.
“He was very knowledgeable about the game and knew a lot about myself and it was great that he took time out to call me, as he is going to Australia on tour.”
Lennon has had a long association with Celtic as both player and now manager yet, remarkably, has never met arguably the club’s most famous fan.
“Do you know, I have never met Rod,” Lennon said. “I didn’t get the chance to see him after the game.
“He does e-mail me from time to time so I hope to get to meet him soon.
“He is a wonderful ambassador for the club, he loves the club and for someone who has such a status in life to be such an avid supporter is fantastic for our reputation as well.”
Rod Stewart's tears move Elton to call Celtic
