At a staggering 106 years-of-age, Sam Martinez is the oldest living fan of Hibernian FC, but he’s never seen the Edinburgh team lift the Scottish Cup.
Until now.
Hibs came from 2-1 down to win Saturday’s final at Hampden Park 3-2 in injury time, bursting the bubble of newly promoted Rangers in devastating fashion.
The BBC’s Jane Lewis tweeted a photo of Sam just before kickoff, as did her broadcasting colleague Jonathan Sutherland, who said that Sam had been “hopeful” before the game.
Meet Sam Martinez – he's 106 years young and hoping to finally see #hibs win the Scottish cup. #bbcscot pic.twitter.com/lhFcAhEQtU
— Jane Lewis (@Jane__Lewis) May 21, 2016
Great to meet 106 yr old Hibs fan Sam Martinez, and pals. Total gent. Says he's 'hopeful' about today @BBCSportScot pic.twitter.com/2lhgJ4E89z
— Jonathan Sutherland (@MrJonSutherland) May 21, 2016
Sam has lived through two world wars and seen political movements rise and fall, but he was born eight years after Hibs last won the cup in 1902.
Today was the 11th final he has attended, and almost certainly the most memorable.
Originally from Belize, Sam came to Scotland in 1942 to work as a tree feller, and settled in Edinburgh.
According to the Scottish Daily Record, his supporting of Hibs began after he was given a complimentary ticket by some supporters on their way to a game.
He hasn’t attended games as regularly since his hitting his 90s, but he told the newspaper before today’s game that he’d never given up hope of seeing them lift the cup.
“I hope for the best,” he said. “I’ve been very disappointed in all the cups they have played, but I’m still hoping it could happen.
“I’ve been following Hibs for quite a while but they just can’t give me this cup yet.
“I watched the Famous Five and even them, they just couldn’t win the cup.
“The team now just seem to not have the nerve or the strength to win the cup.”
Given how long he’s been made to wait, we can definitely forgive Sam for his pessimism. But how delighted he must be to have finally been proved wrong.
https://twitter.com/MundialMag/status/734068303279316993
