1987–88 in Scottish football


The 1987–88 season was the 91st season of competitive football in Scotland.

Notable events

Billy McNeill's second spell back in charge of Celtic began in style as they finished the season by winning the double of the league title and Scottish Cup. The cup triumph was sealed with two late goals from Frank McAvennie, signed in early October from West Ham United, as they had trailed 1–0 to Dundee United.
Rangers, further strengthened with the signing of Englishmen Ray Wilkins and Mark Walters in midfield, had consolation for their failure to repeat title glory in the shape of a League Cup win. They could only finish third in the league, with Hearts finishing second – 10 points adrift of champions Celtic.
The Old Firm league fixture at Ibrox in October 1987, which ended in a 2-2 draw, saw three players red carded. Charges were later brought against four of the players by the Procurator Fiscal. The resulting Court case ended up with Terry Butcher and Chris Woods being convicted of a breach of the peace. Graham Roberts was found Not proven, whilst Frank McAvennie was acquitted.
Rangers enjoyed the longest run in Europe out of all the Scottish clubs, reaching the European Cup quarter finals where they were edged out by Steaua Bucharest.
A reduction of the Premier Division from 12 clubs to 10 saw three clubs relegated. The only promotion place went to Division One champions Hamilton Academical.

Scottish Premier Division

Champions: Celtic

Relegated: Falkirk, Dunfermline Athletic, Morton

Scottish League Division One

Promoted: Hamilton Academical

Relegated: East Fife, Dumbarton

Scottish League Division Two

Promoted: Ayr United, St Johnstone

Other honours

Cup honours

Non-league honours

Senior

Individual honours

Scottish clubs in Europe

Results for Scotland's participants in European competition for the 1987–88 season

Rangers

St Mirren

Aberdeen

Celtic

Dundee United

Scotland national team

DateVenueOpponentsCompetitionScotland scorer
9 September 1987Hampden Park, Glasgow 2–0FriendlyAlly McCoist
14 October 1987Hampden Park, Glasgow 2–0ECQG7Ally McCoist, Paul McStay
11 November 1987Vasil Levski, Sofia 1–0ECQG7Gary Mackay
2 December 1987Stade de la Frontière, Esch 0–0ECQG7
17 February 1988Malaz Stadium, Riyadh 2–2FriendlyMaurice Johnston, John Collins
22 March 1988Ta'Qali Stadium, Valletta 1–1FriendlyGraeme Sharp
27 April 1988Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid 0–0Friendly
17 May 1988Hampden Park, Glasgow 0–0Rous Cup
21 May 1988Wembley Stadium, London 0–1Rous Cup

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