Final farewell at Celtic Park for Lisbon Lion John Clark

Mourners will gather in Glasgow later for the funeral of Celtic legend and Lisbon Lion John Clark.

Celtic has invited fans to gather at Celtic Park to say a “final farewell to one of the club’s greatest ever servants”.

Clark, who died last week at the age of 84, won several major honours in more than 300 games for the Parkhead side.

His greatest achievement came in 1967, when Celtic defeated Inter Milan in Lisbon to become the first British team to lift the European Cup.

In a statement, Celtic FC said: “John Clark was a Lisbon Lion, a cornerstone of our greatest ever team and a dedicated servant to Celtic.

“We come together to honour his incredible legacy.”

Clark’s funeral mass will be held at midday at St Mary’s Church in Glasgow’s Calton area.

It will also broadcast live for fans on the club’s YouTube channel.

Afterwards the funeral cortege will travel down The Celtic Way outside the stadium at about 13:15.

Clark, who made his Celtic debut in 1959, served the club for over four decades.

He returned to Parkhead after his playing career to work in the youth set up.

Clark became assistant to Billy McNeil, his defensive partner during the quadruple-winning 1966-67 season, at Aberdeen then at Celtic.

He also managed Cowdenbeath, Stranraer and Clyde but again went back to Celtic, serving as kit man for almost 20 years.

Paying tribute after his death, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers said: “John’s continued presence at Celtic across so many decades I know served as an absolute inspiration to so many players.

“Through his knowledge, his wisdom and his true love for Celtic, John has made such an important contribution to the club.”