CELTIC fans across the world have been plunged into mourning as the football club confirmed the death of legend Billy McNeill.
The Parkhead club revealed the devastating news in a statement this morning.
It read: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our father Billy McNeill. He passed away late last night (Monday, April 22) surrounded by his family and loved ones. He suffered from Dementia for a number of years and fought bravely to the end, showing the strength and fortitude he always has done throughout his life.
The #CelticFC Family is mourning the death of Billy McNeill, the club’s greatest ever captain and one of the finest men to have played and managed the Hoops, who has passed away at the age of 79.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) April 23, 2019
Rest in peace, Cesar. You’ll Never Walk Alone.
“We would also like to note our love and appreciation to our mother, Liz, for the care, devotion and love she gave to our father throughout his illness. No one could have done any more.
READ MORE: Celtic legend Billy McNeil dies aged 79
“Whilst this is a very sad time for all the family and we know our privacy will be respected, our father always made time for the supporters so please tell his stories, sing his songs and help us celebrate his life.”
Heartbroken supporters have inundated social media with messages of condolence.
I wasn’t lucky enough to see this guy play but grew up in the stories of how great he was. The definition of what a captain should be and a @CelticFC legend. RIP Cesar, You’ll Never Walk Alone😢🍀💚 #CelticFC #BillyMcNeill #YNWA pic.twitter.com/zykgFaiV5N
— Nicola McCutcheon🏴🦄🍀 (@NicolaMcC_04) April 23, 2019
You’ll never walk alone Billy McNeill, an icon and a legend 🍀🦁
— jozo (@joebhoy_88) April 23, 2019
Gutted to hear of the passing of Billy McNeill. Him and the rest of the lions gave us our greatest moment in Celtic history a true legend. RIP Y.N.W.A 🍀🍀🍀
— Shadow Moses (@AntonC93) April 23, 2019
Billy McNeill epitomises to me what Celtic are today. A giant of a man, both on and off the field. The one and only King Billy 🍀 May god bless you x RIP x pic.twitter.com/Gw3SlITt8b
— Joe Cameron (@Joe_Bhoy90) April 23, 2019
God bless Billy McNeill and his family, a giant of a man and true Celtic legend💚🍀
— Sean McAleer (@seanmcaleer) April 23, 2019
Sad to wake up to the news that Billy McNeill has passed, but having seen first hand the way that dementia can ravage the sufferers consciousness, I think we can all take solace from the fact he is now at peace.
— Andi Gordon (@Andi_ffp) April 23, 2019
RIP Mr McNeill pic.twitter.com/aAjVdp6boi
Billy McNeill was truly a great. A role model for my generation and a role model for all subsequent captains of Celtic.
— Jack Harvey (@jackh1888) April 23, 2019
R.I.P.
Sad news about Billy McNeill. Before my time of course but the esteem in which he is held in Scottish football and beyond speaks for itself. RIP.
— Andy McKellar (@AMcKellar89) April 23, 2019
One wrote: “God bless Billy. The man was Celtic to the core. I'll always remember meeting you both in Lisbon and in Mcneills with my dad and my brother. A true gent. #RIP #YNWA.”
Another said: “So sad Rest In Peace Billy thoughts and prayers with his family and friends . A colossus of a man and absolute Celtic legend #HHCesar.”
“As a Rangers fan I can still appreciate Billy McNeil's contribution to Scottish football. A true gentleman who played hard but fair. Condolences to his family, friends and club for their loss. RIP,” added another.
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“God rest Billy The man has left a legacy and a lifetime of memories for every Celtic fan across the globe,” was another tribute.
One man chipped in: “So sad. My favourite player as a wee boy. Embodied the club.”
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