Tributes have poured in from the football world for Peter Ciarella, who was a lifelong supporter of the Parkhead side

A Celtic fan who was hailed as the club’s oldest season ticket holder has died aged 101.

Peter Ciarella was a lifelong Hoops supporter and watched the team play under every manager from Willie Maley to the current boss, Ange Postecoglou. Ciarella, of Lochgilphead, Argyll, was a well known face at Celtic Park and attended his first game in 1932.

He was recently treated to a VIP day to watch his team in action and was seated in the Director’s Box for the occasion. He was later shown the club’s trophy room and posed for photographs with senior officials including Peter Lawwell.

Tributes have been paid to Ciarella who passed away peacefully at home on January 5. He witnessed Celtic play two European finals including their 1967 European Cup triumph in Lisbon.

He saw them lose a second final in 1970 in Milan but watched them come runners-up against Porto in Seville in 2003 on TV after giving up a ticket to a family member. He regularly made a 200-mile round trip from his home to Glasgow to watch his heroes.

The superfan witnessed dozens of historic football moments over the years including Celtic’s famous 7-1 win against Rangers at Hampden in 1957. Ciarella had told how his early idols included Hoops striker Jimmy McGrory.

He said: “He was a fantastic player. These guys used to come straight to the game straight from work, still in their work clothes then get changed into their kit and go out and play. They weren’t mollycoddled the way they are now.”

Ciarella also revealed modern day icon Henrik Larsson was one of his favourite stars.

He told the Celtic View: “I’ve seen the likes of Jimmy McGrory and Jimmy Johnstone and the rest of the Lisbon Lions. But I think Henrik Larsson is right up there with anyone I’ve ever seen play for Celtic.”

A social media tribute to Ciarella sparked dozens of messages from well wishers.

It said: “It is with great sadness that the Celtic family have lost Pasquale ‘Peter’ Ciarella at the age of 101. Peter achieved the incredible feat of attending games under every manager in the club’s history from Willie Maley to Ange Postecoglu.

“From his first game in 1932 to Lisbon, Peter proudly watched his last game that day. Celtic have lost their last link to an incredible story. RIP Peter, YNWA.”

Fans sent their condolences to Ciarella’s family.

One wrote: “Rest in peace sir. Deserves a plaque on the entrance as it might not be achieved again.”

Another message said: “Condolences to the family on the loss of Peter. RIP. He was some supporter.”