Soccer commemorates 93rd anniversary of John Thomson death
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 5, 2026, 8:05 AM
Last updated Sep 5, 2026

September 5, 2026, marks 93 years since the death of Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson. Thomson sustained a fatal head injury during a match against Rangers at Ibrox on September 5, 1931. The 22-year-old collided with Rangers forward Sam English while attempting to save a shot and passed away in a hospital without regaining consciousness. His death remains a significant tragedy in professional football history. Thomson had established himself as a first-choice keeper for both Celtic and Scotland, earning two Scottish Cup medals and four international caps before the accident. Approximately 40,000 people attended his funeral in Cardenden, reflecting his standing within the sport at the time.
- •John Thomson died on September 5, 1931, following a collision at Ibrox.
- •The goalkeeper sustained a fatal head injury during a game against Rangers.
- •Thomson earned two Scottish Cup medals during his time at Celtic.
- •He played four matches for Scotland and four for the Scottish League.
- •Thousands attended his funeral in the mining village of Cardenden.
- 8:05 AMYahoo Sports — Remembering John Thomson – “They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind.”
- 7:25 AMYahoo Sports — 93rd anniversary of the tragic death of John Thomson
"It was 93 years ago today, on Saturday, September 5, 1931, the Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson received a serious head injury while playing against Rangers at Ibrox. He died later in hospital, having n...
"95 years ago today, a footballing tragedy occurred at Ibrox…John Thomson, Celtic FC. Press cutting via The Celtic WikiTragedy is one of football’s most misused words. Generally it is discussed whe...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 8:05 AMRemembering John Thomson – “They never die who live in the hearts they leave behind.”
95 years ago today, a footballing tragedy occurred at Ibrox…John Thomson, Celtic FC. Press cutting via The Celtic WikiTragedy is one of football’s most misused words. Generally it is discussed whe...
- Yahoo SportsSep 5, 2026, 7:25 AM93rd anniversary of the tragic death of John Thomson
It was 93 years ago today, on Saturday, September 5, 1931, the Celtic goalkeeper John Thomson received a serious head injury while playing against Rangers at Ibrox. He died later in hospital, having n...
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