News
SHOCK, INCREDULITY AND SADNESS
Many in Timdom were travelling home from Paradise and opining about Celtic's 3-0 win over Gretna to climb back to the SPL summit when news reached us that Motherwell captain and former Celt Phil O'Donnell had collapsed whilst being substituted late in Motherwell's 5-3 win over Dundee United.
Needless to say, there was anxiety and concern for a former Bhoy – once a Tim, always a Tim.
However, when the stunning news arrived that Phil had tragically died, at the age of 35, there was shock, incredulity and then profound sadness. This tragedy put our feelings about winning a football match into perspective.
There are no just words to describe the loss of Phil O'Donnell, who leaves a wife and four young children.
May God look after Phil's family at this tragic time. Our thoughts and prayers are with Phil's loved ones.
Celtic Football Club issued the following statement:
“The world of football has been left stunned at the sudden and tragic death of Phil O'Donnell. The Motherwell captain collapsed during his side's game at Fir Park against Dundee United and was rushed to hospital where, sadly, he passed away.
Phil O'Donnell, who was 35-years-old, began his career with Motherwell in 1990 and spent four years at the club, helping them to a Scottish Cup triumph in 1991 before signing for Celtic in 1994.
Over the next five years he made 114 appearances for the club, scoring 20 goals and he was part of the Hoops squad which won the league championship in 1998.
A year later he moved south to Sheffield Wednesday where he remained until 2004 when he returned to Motherwell.
Everyone connected with Celtic Football Club is absolutely devastated at the news of Phil's death. He was a tremendous professional with every club he played for, and in his second spell at Motherwell proved to be a great example to all the younger players at the club.
The thoughts and prayers of everyone at Celtic are with Phil's family, friends and team-mates at Motherwell at this desperately sad time.
The flags at Celtic Park are flying at half-mast as a mark of respect.”
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