Sir Rod Stewart: The Show Stealer at Celtic Park
Sir Rod Stewart, the legendary 80-year-old singer and die-hard Celtic supporter, stole the show at Celtic Park ahead of the club’s Champions League clash with Bayern Munich last night. Known for his smooth baritone and chart-topping hits, Stewart’s presence added an extra layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere. As fans filed into the stadium, Stewart’s infectious charisma and humorous antics during pre-match interviews with both CBS Sports and TNT Sports became the talk of the town.
CBS Sports Interview: Merry at the Heart of It All
In an interview conducted by former Manchester United goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel for CBS Sports, Stewart, who was clearly feeling merry, demonstrated his trademark wit and spontaneity. Midway through the conversation, he playfully told the stadium announcer to "shut up," before admitting, "I’ve had a couple [of drinks]." The candid confession sent the entire CBS panel—comprising Kate Abdo, now Scott, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards, and Thierry Henry—into fits of laughter. Carragher, seizing the moment, asked if he could join Stewart for a drink if Celtic managed to progress in the tournament. Stewart, ever the generous host, replied, "Of course you can, I’ll fly you anywhere you want." This spontaneous offer only added to the jovial atmosphere, highlighting the singer’s deep love for his team.
From Sobriety to Spontaneity
For a brief moment, it seemed as if Stewart was trying to regain sobriety as he explained how Celtic could secure a victory if they avoided any "cock ups." Realizing the indelicate language he had used, Stewart quickly asked, "Did I say cock ups?" His self-awareness only prompted more laughter from the CBS panel, while Stewart himself giggled uncontrollably. As the chanting of traveling fans grew louder, Stewart’s impulsive request for them to quiet down, "Oi, shut up, I’m talking," further endeared him to the audience. When questioned about his knowledge of "Big Meeks," Stewart initially joked, "Big knees, no, never heard of him," before Richards gently corrected him. Stewart then admitted, "Micah thing," showing his lighthearted and affable nature.
A Dance and a Duet: Entertaining to the End
Carragher’s playful suggestion to see if Stewart still had his "Hot Legs" led to a spontaneous dance by the singer, proving that age is just a number for the Scottish icon. The interview took a nostalgic turn when Carragher and Stewart performed a duet of "Maggie May," a song that has long been associated with Celtic fans. Stewart’s son, Alastair, also appeared on screen, completing the father-son duo and adding a familial touch to the festivities. As the interview concluded, Stewart, aware that he was embarrassing himself, humorously asked Schmeichel to "get me off the air now." The panel, charmed by his antics, welcomed him with warm laughter and applause.
TNT Sports: Passion Meets Performance
Stewart’s evening at Celtic Park was far from over as TNT Sports caught up with him shortly after the CBS interview. He began by declaring, "I’ve had a couple of drinks as you can probably tell, wahey," setting the tone for another lively conversation. The singer’s love for Celtic was evident as he explained how the club runs through his veins, a sentiment that resonates deeply with many Celtic supporters. In a moment of pure passion, Stewart burst into a lively dance for the crowd, much to the delight of the TNT interviewer and the fans. Initially, it appeared as though he had taken the microphone with him, leading the presenter to exclaim, "He’s taken the mic," but Stewart quickly handed it back to a producer in the background.
The Match: A Tale of Two Halves
Despite the pre-match entertainment, the game itself was a tight affair. The first cut was indeed the deepest as Michael Olise scored a spectacular goal on the stroke of half-time, putting Bayern Munich ahead. The visitors extended their lead shortly into the second half with a goal from Harry Kane. However, Celtic fans were given a glimmer of hope when Daizen Maeda managed to pull one back, reducing the deficit to 2-1. The Bhoys will now have to travel to Munich for the second leg next week, with the task of reversing this result and advancing in the Champions League. The match, though challenging, served as a testament to Stewart’s belief in the team and the unyielding spirit of Celtic supporters.
Health Considerations: Moderate Drinking Guidelines
While Stewart’s pre-match celebrations undoubtedly added to the festive atmosphere, it’s important to note the health guidelines regarding alcohol consumption. According to the NHS, regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol a week can pose significant health risks. To keep these risks to a minimum, it is advised that men and women do not exceed 14 units of alcohol on a regular basis and spread their drinking over three or more days if they do reach this limit. For those looking to cut down, having several drink-free days each week can be beneficial. Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant are advised to abstain from alcohol altogether to safeguard their baby’s health. For more detailed information, fans can visit the NHS website.
