Celtic legend John Hartson has launched a defence of boss Neil Lennon, with Scott McDonald chipping in with his own opinion.
Hartson was part of the Celtic TV team as he watched Hungarian champions Ferencvaros shockingly win 2-1 at Parkhead to progress to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League.
The result has infuriated many Celtic supporters who have now watched their side fail to qualify for the Champions League for three consecutive years. Lennon produced a similarly dreadful result last season when Cluj rocked up to Parkhead and won 4-3.
Lessons don’t appear to have been learned from recent home defeats v Cluj and Copenhagen, but Hartson is in a defiant mood this morning. Here’s a look at what he published earlier, along with former Hoops striker McDonald’s replies.
There is a clear difference between backing and criticising
As a Celtic manager, you’re held to account. Sure, it sounds political, but you’re the leader of a football club that is ingrained into many people’s lives. How that club performs can sway those same people’s mood.
Therefore, Lennon has to accept that key mistakes will be pointed out when he makes them. Especially when they’re as obvious as not playing a striker against a side we should be beating at Celtic Park.
When Lennon takes to the field on Sunday against Motherwell at Celtic Park, he’ll certainly be backed by the supporters watching the game. In fact, he’s never once not been backed during his time as Celtic manager.
We all know of the relationship between big Hartson and the boss. Perhaps his defending of him comes mainly from that friendship they both share.
But when you’re the Celtic manager and you fail to make inroads in the Champions League, question marks will be asked as to why that’s the case.
Once again, the supporters have been let down massively at the top table. Lennon, no matter how you dress it up, has to be held accountable for that – regardless of his domestic success.
In other news, Celtic could be set for a handy Europa League boost.
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