THE DEATH OF the father of Kilmarnock midfielder Liam Kelly has soured Scottish League Cup celebrations.
Kelly’s father collapsed in the dugout and was treated by paramedics before being rushed to hospital for further treatment, where he later died. Kilmarnock shocked Neil Lennon’s side to raise the trophy for the first time in their history on yesterday but had their joy cut short.
Manager Kenny Shiels spoke to Sky Sports before news of the death had been confirmed, saying: “I don’t know the medical term, but it is a heart attack probably. He is away to hospital and the family has gone with him.
“It happened right beside this dugout and I am only doing this press conference out of respect to you so I hope you appreciate that. I have gone from so high an emotion to so low an emotion. We are not sure of the outcome but he is very seriously ill and that’s a tough emotion after going up to one of the best moments of our lives.
“The dressing room is very despondent and I don’t know why the man above sends down these messages to us. We are thinking more about Liam than our triumphalism.”
A late goal from substitute Dieter Van Tornhout ended Celtic’s unbeaten run of 27 matches and earned Kilmarnock their first trophy since 1997. It looked like it was going to be an uphill task for Kenny Shiels’ side, given the runaway league leaders have conceded just nine times since they drew 3-3 with his side on October 15.
But they more than held their own against the Hoops, with goalkeeper Cammy Bell pulling off several stunning saves. And despite Celtic having the better chances, the winners threatened with a few chances of their own before Van Tornhout came off the bench to head home the winner with just 10 minutes left.
