Andrew Bryden made a triumphant return to Parkhead on Saturday as part of a bizarre plot twist that saw Father Christmas present the champions with their Premiership trophy.

Actor Andrew had been booed on his last visit to Paradise in December by Celtic fans who were furious with their team’s display during a 2-0 defeat to Hearts. The half time reaction that day made headlines around the world – and led Celtic chiefs to invite the big man back from the North Pole for Saturday’s title celebrations.

Andrew, of Ayr, told the Ayrshire Post: “I hadn’t realised at the time just how big a deal the original reaction would be. As anyone who knows me will tell you, I take the role of the big man in the red suit very seriously. Father Christmas is someone who should always be respected. So at the time of the booing, I was a bit perplexed.

“But it soon became clear that the fans were venting their frustration at the performance that day. They pay their money and that is their right. It was a shame that it happened but I’m so glad we were able to put that right on Saturday.”

Andrew, who has appeared at Celtic Park for 10 years in the role of Santa and has been a regular face on shows like Still Game down the years, added: “When I got the call asking me to present the trophy, I was stunned but knew it would be a special moment. It was a very closely guarded secret and I arrived during the game to get changed in the manager’s office. The look on his face and that of the captain when I walked out was incredible.

“I couldn’t hold back the emotion when the fans reacted as they did – you could see it in my face. I wasn’t expecting it at all. Celtic are a hugely charitable club and I can’t thank them enough for that gesture on Saturday, it was the perfect ending to the story.”

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