Floodlight
1st August 1987
On 1st August 1987, Arsenal travelled to Glasgow for a pre-season friendly against Celtic, marking a significant occasion for the Scottish club. This match was the beginning of Celtic’s centenary season and the first game at Celtic Park for Billy McNeill in his second tenure as manager. Arsenal’s squad featured Charlie Nicholas, a former Celtic player who had recently declined an offer to return to the club. Nicholas received a memorable reception from the Celtic fans, akin to the welcome the Pope might receive at Ibrox. He quickly made his mark by scoring just four minutes into the game. Arsenal dominated the match, ultimately securing a 5-1 victory. The result was disappointing for the majority of the 26,000 fans in attendance, many of whom left the stadium before the final whistle.
1st August 1996
Fast forward to 1st August 1996, a landmark day for women’s football as the final of the inaugural Olympic women’s football tournament took place. The United States, as the host nation, faced China in a thrilling match. In front of a crowd of 76,489 spectators, the USA emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, securing the gold medal. This event marked a significant milestone in the recognition and development of women’s football on the global stage.