TRIBUTES are pouring in for Stevie Chalmers, the legendary Lisbon Lion who scored Celtic's winner in the 1967 European Cup final, after his death aged 83.
Chalmers' goal in the 84th minute of the iconic clash at Estadio Nacional in Lisbon, Portugal sealed a 2-1 win over Inter Milan to make the Hoops the first club from any of the Home Nations to lift the trophy.
The Glaswegian scored 236 goals over 12 seasons at Celtic Park, and also netted three times for Scotland in five international caps.
His death comes just a week after the passing of Lisbon Lions skipper Billy McNeill at the age of 79.
Celtic confirmed Chalmers passed away in the early hours of Monday morning surrounded by his family and is survived by his wife Sadie, children Stephen, Carol, Paul, Ann, Martin and Clare, and both grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Rest in peace, Stevie Chalmers. You'll Never Walk Alone. pic.twitter.com/P00oEjKaDm
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) 29 April 2019
In a statement on the club's website, the Chalmers family said: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Stevie Chalmers, our loving father and devoted husband to Sadie. The Celtic legend was surrounded by family when he sadly passed away.
"In recent times Stevie endured the toughest of battles, but just as he approached every game in a green and white jersey, he tackled his long-term illness with much bravery and dignity."
Born in 1935, Chalmers contracted tuberculosis-meningitis and was given just weeks to live during his early 20s – but went on to enjoy a glistening career in football after receiving pioneering treatment from Rangers fan Dr Peter McKenzie.
He is the sixth member of the iconic Lisbon Lions side to pass away after McNeill, Tommy Gemmell, Bobby Murdoch, Ronnie Simpson and Jimmy 'Jinky' Johnstone.
Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell paid trubute to "legend" Chalmers, saying the short time since McNeill's death made the news all the more tragic.
#CelticFC Chief Executive Peter Lawwell has paid tribute to Stevie Chalmers as the Celtic Family mourn the loss of the man who scored the most important goal in the club’s history.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) 29 April 2019
"This is such terrible news, and on behalf of the club, I would first of all like to pass on my condolences to Stevie’s wife, Sadie, their children, Stephen, Carol, Paul, Ann, Martin, Clare, and their grandchildren," Lawwell said in a statement,
"Stevie was a much-loved husband, father and grandfather, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this desperately sad time.
“This is a particularly devastating time for the Celtic Family, with the passing of Stevie Chalmers coming so soon after his friend and former team-mate, Billy McNeill. My condolences also go to the Lisbon Lions, already mourning the loss of their captain, and now grieving the death of another one of their own.
“Stevie Chalmers was a Celtic legend, and one of the greatest goalscorers this club has ever seen. Indeed, only three other legends in Jimmy McGrory, Henrik Larsson and Stevie’s close friend, Bobby Lennox, have scored more goals.
"However, there is only one man who is able to lay claim to having scored the most important goal in Celtic's 131-year history, and that man is Stevie Chalmers.
"Like his team-mates, he remained a quiet, humble man, happiest in the company of his fellow Lions and his fellow Celtic supporters."
Family's great sadness as #CelticFC legend Stevie Chalmers passes away.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) 29 April 2019
Celtic Football Club is devastated at the death of Stevie Chalmers, one of #CelticFC’s greatest ever goalscorers and the man who scored the most important goal in the club’s history.
Rest in peace, Stevie. You'll Never Walk Alone.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) 29 April 2019
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of former @ScotlandNT and @CelticFC player Stevie Chalmers. https://t.co/kSe8MdWO4z
— Scottish FA (@ScottishFA) 29 April 2019
Too awful for words to lose another brother within a week of Billy. RIP my friend and team-mate Stevie Chalmers. 😓 #THATgoal
— Jim Craig ⭐️ (@Cairney2) 29 April 2019
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of @CelticFC legend Stevie Chalmers.
The SPFL's thoughts and condolences are with his family and all at Celtic at this time. pic.twitter.com/VcZUcD7H0E
— SPFL (@spfl) 29 April 2019
