Celtic’s Europa League woes deepen as fans disrupt match against Stuttgart
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has condemned fans who interrupted their Europa League play-off match against Stuttgart on Thursday night, while also defending goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel amid mounting criticism. The Hoops were defeated 4-1 at Celtic Park, effectively quashing their hopes of progressing to the next stage of the competition, reports BritPanorama.
The match commenced amid tension, as Celtic supporters protested by throwing balls onto the field, disrupting play early on. O’Neill criticized these actions, stating they created an even more challenging environment for his team.
“Anybody who thinks that’s a good idea needs their head examining,” O’Neill remarked. He noted that the disruption not only interrupted the game but potentially shifted the mindset of the Stuttgart players, undermining his team’s advantage. Celtic fans also voiced their discontent by jeering Schmeichel throughout the match, reacting to his recent performances.
The 39-year-old goalkeeper, who has faced scrutiny for his form, was defended by O’Neill. The manager cited a vital save Schmeichel made during a previous match against Feyenoord, emphasizing the goalkeeper’s capabilities and importance to the team. “This is a team game, and we all have to deal with it,” O’Neill added, suggesting that fans and players alike must navigate these testing conditions together.
Celtic’s struggles in European competitions have been compounded by financial disparities, as O’Neill pointed out the stark contrast in resources between Scottish football and leagues like the Premier League and Bundesliga. He suggested a potential merger with the Premier League could be a solution to elevate Scottish football. “At some stage or another we have to compete with that,” he noted, acknowledging the challenges ahead.
As Celtic grapples with the fallout from this disappointing match, the focus will be on how the club rebuilds and adapts in a tough landscape, illustrating the fragile state of Scottish football on the European stage.
In the end, the clash served as a stark reminder that in football, as in life, the lines between support, frustration, and consequence can be painfully thin.
