Football spectating in the 1960’s and 1970’s was a completely different scenario compared to the pampered luxuries of the modern day game. In January 1971, Ted Heath was some seven months into his Premiership. Decimalisation was imminent (Feb 1971) but entry to the European Union was still two years distant. Average weekly earnings for manual workers was £28. A ticket for the Old Firm game was six shillings (30p) with a match day programme costing one shilling. (5p)
The wintry weather on that day was grim - foggy and frosty with a real nip in the air. If it had been any other game but the Big Match, it would probably have been postponed. As it later turned out, the under-foot conditions pretty much spoiled the game.