Former Celts have their say on last night’s Champions League playoff disaster
· Yahoo Sports
Everyone is having their say on last night’s disastrous loss in Linz, a result that sees Celtic miss out on a golden ticket to European football’s top table for the second year in succession…
Sebastian Tounekti of Celtic reacts after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
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Over two years Celtic has thrown away two massive opportunities that has now cost the club an astonishing £80m in lost Champions League revenue.
Several former Celts were performing media duties last night, and they weren’t shy in airing their thoughts. Former Celtic player and manager Neil Lennon who was doing analysis for Prime who covered the game said:
“Huge credit to LASK. They had 33 attempts on goal and they battered Celtic. It’ll be up there as one of the worst nights. To lose a four-goal lead is not great. They’ll come in for some criticism after that.”
Former goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel who was working alongside Lennon also gave his thoughts. The former Hoops number one said “This will have huge ramifications.
Kasper Hogh of Celtic reacts after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
“The Europa League doesn’t have the same prestige. It’s going to be a monumental task to motivate themselves and get the fans back onside. You heard the reaction at the end.
“They have to look to win the Europa League because that’s what a club like Celtic should be doing.”
Former Celtic midfielder Stan Petrov, a former teammate of Lennon, and star pupil of Martin O’Neill blasted the players and accused them of hiding and not taking responsibility. Petrov said: “You either want it or you don’t want it. It looked like Celtic didn’t want it enough.
“A big team like Celtic should be able to hold a four-goal lead and cope with the pressure. The players were hiding. When they had to take responsibility on the ball, they didn’t take it.
Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton aired his feelings through a post on social media X. Sutton blamed the board for selling key players such as Arne Engels, and Daizen Maeda, and described the decision to cash in on the two as ‘stupid’ and a major factor in our failure to reach the group stages.
READ THIS…Total Abdication – No Hiding Places After Celtic’s Austrian Horror Show
LINZ, AUSTRIA – AUGUST 25: Auston Trusty of Celtic reacts after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 Play off round second leg match between LASK and Celtic at on August 25, 2026 in Linz, Austria. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Sutton posted: “People can say what they like about the collapse and I respect that but why sell your legs in midfield and weaken your team when the biggest games of the season are around the corner. Why sell Maeda? It’s just stupid…the justification is in the winning…Celtic lost…”
READ THIS…Total Abdication – No Hiding Places After Celtic’s Austrian Horror Show
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