Ange Postecoglou's amusing Christmas act for Celtic fans: 'Bloody legend'

Ange Postecoglou made a brief turn as Father Christmas for a pair of elated Celtic fans after their 4-1 win over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership, leaving football fans utterly delighted. Amidst a terrific campaign, Postecoglou has endeared himself to Scottish fans - but the former Socceroos coach had to be careful not to let things go too far.

After his Celtic side had largely left the field following their convincing win, which lifted them to a 17-1 record for the season, Postecoglou spotted a couple of fans by the sidelines and opted to give them a memorable Christmas gift. First he removed his signature black jumper, handing it to the fans to the cheers of the remaining crowd.

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He then returned to remove and hand over his green and white Celtic tie as well, giving fans a wave before making his own exit from the pitch. Speaking to Scottish media after the game, Postecoglou said it was a chance to do something a little different for the Celtic faithful.

"There were a few with signs,” Postecoglou said. “Obviously they want something from the players and the players had already gone past so I thought I would spread some goodwill and cheer with my jumper and tie. And I was stopping there because I wouldn't have done anyone any favours after that.

"It's an important time of the year. A lot of people in society have it tough at this time of the year but I'm sure our supporters, whatever troubles they may have, will be sitting around the Christmas table with smiles on their faces, and for us that's really important.”

His giving gesture, combined with his subsequent quip about not wanting to unnecessarily traumatise fans by disrobing any further, was met with delight on social media. Many fans took to Twitter to applaud the Aussie's amusing act of generosity.

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Postecoglou led Celtic to an astonishing 9-0 league victory to mark the biggest away win for the club in its 134-year history back in August. After Liverpool had decorated the Premier League with a record-equalling 9-0 home victory over Bournemouth on Saturday, the Australian manager's team equalled the feat in the Scottish Premiership less than 24 hours later with their own merciless 9-0 mauling of Dundee United.

Dundee headed into the game under pressure for recent performances, but Celtic didn't let up after setting the standard for the rest of the league. Not only was it Celtic's biggest-ever away win in the league in their proud 134-year history, but there were moments near the end of the massacre at Tannadice that it looked as if it might even match their biggest-ever win of 11-0 back in 1895 against United's city rivals Dundee.

Postecoglou and Celtic are also on a 37 game unbeaten streak in the league. After the game, the Australian coach showed compassion for his rival coach after the brutal victory.

"Credit to the players. Really disciplined and focused," Postecoglou said. "We kinda knew Dudnee United were going through a rough trot and it was important on us to impose ourselves on the game.

"It's not about joy, at the same time, you respect the opposition manager who is going through a tough time. In this game, you have to stay humble and respectful."

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