Scotland’s Euro 2024 failure in Germany has brought a lot of heat onto the Celtic contingent of Steve Clarke’s team.
A heavy defeat against Germany, a draw against Switzerland and then a final group game whimper in the 1-0 loss to Hungary has heaped pressure on Steve Clarke.
But not before Callum McGregor and Anthony Ralston, who both seem to be the subject of targeted criticism, especially online.
So much so that Celtic felt they had to hit back at Graeme Souness for his comments about McGregor and now, Marvin Bartley has hit out at further online criticism of Anthony Ralston.
Bartley defends Ralston from ‘easy and lazy’ Scotland criticism
The former Livingston man was responding to criticism of Ralston on social media channel X, where the Celtic defender was receiving harsh criticism after Scotland’s elimination from the tournament.
Responding to a comment that says Scotland boss, Steve Clarke, was arrogant in playing Ralston and not James Forrest for the crucial group game against Hungary, Bartley said [X], “It’s easy and lazy to constantly blame one man mate!
“Actually felt he did well last night. I get calling for other players to play but who says Forrest can even play wing back?”
There does seem to be an online narrative about Ralston‘s selection for the Scotland team in Germany when, in truth, all he’s really done is answer his country’s call and give his all as he always does.
His misplaced pass that gifted Switzerland an equaliser was met with severe criticism even though pundits like Ally McCoist could quite clearly see that it wasn’t entirely the Celtic defender’s fault.
Now that the tournament is over, Ralston, McGregor, Greg Taylor and James Forrest can now rest and get themselves ready for next season as Celtic look forward to defending their title and Champions League group stage football.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
