Celtic’s 15th Scottish Cup Final triumph, watched by 147,365 supporters

The Scottish Cup final of 1937 was played out in front of staggering 147,365 spectators at Hampden Park, a European record that still stands to this day in terms of club football. The actual world record was 149,000 who descended to the very same stadium only days before for a Scotland v England clash.

The game was contested between Celtic and Aberdeen. The Dons were out to make a statement hoping to proclaim themselves as a force to be reckoned within the Scottish game. They had just finished runners up in the league ahead of Celtic who were third, and wanted a trophy to complement their fine campaign.

Playing in black and gold, their original colours which saw them known as the ‘wasps’ they went out and took the game to Celtic in a bid to win their first ever major honour. Celtic in contrast were looking to win the famous trophy for the 15th time.

Celtic took the lead after only 11 minutes through Johnny Crumb, but Aberdeen equalised 60 seconds later to kill off any hope of Celtic taking command of the game.

Aberdeen huffed and puffed and tried to their best to stifle Celtic, but the hoops took control and eventually found the winner through Willie Buchan 20 minutes from time.

Jimmy McGrory in action during the 1937 Scottish Cup Final

Jimmy McGrory playing in his last Scottish Cup final was so used to being the goal hero, but turned provider as he set up Buchan for his chance to be the match winner, which he ultimately did by beating Johnstone in the Aberdeen goal to clinch a 15th Scottish Cup for the hoops.

Despite the protests from the Aberdeen players who reckoned McGrory used his hand in the build up to the goal, it was the Celtic supporters in the massive record breaking crowd who were celebrating yet another Scottish Cup win.

Celtic’s Chic Geatons on the ball during the 1937 Scottish Cup Final win over Aberdeen

As for Aberdeen their wait for a major trophy went on, but nine years later they would prevail as they tasted glory in the same competition. This time wearing their now familiar red colours as they asserted themselves as a major player in Scottish football.

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