Hugh Keevins simply could not help himself. The morning after Celtic completed another successful domestic campaign with Scottish Cup success, the veteran columnist was once again focused on criticising the club’s supporters instead of the football itself.
No reasonable person is defending the disorder that followed the title-clinching match against Hearts. Arrests were made, police officers were injured and Celtic themselves apologised afterwards.
But Keevins went far beyond condemning unacceptable behaviour. He used it to paint the wider Celtic support in the worst possible light.
Celtic’s official statement on the pitch invasion was far more measured than Hearts.
No hysteria, just balance. Thoughts on this 👇
Hugh Keevins turned Billy McNeill into a stick to beat Celtic fans with
In his Daily Record column, Keevins referenced Billy McNeill’s famous “fairytale” after it was used on a tifo by the Green Brigade in Celtic’s win over Hearts.
He then claimed supporters had “distorted” McNeill’s words and “tarnished” Celtic’s image.
Among Keevins’ main criticisms were:
- Claiming Billy McNeill would have been “mortified” by supporter behaviour
- Accusing pitch invaders of “desecrating” Celtic Park
- Suggesting supporters betrayed Martin O’Neill
- Linking the wider Celtic support to “hooliganism” in Glasgow city centre
That is where many Celtic supporters will feel Keevins loses the balance completely.
Condemn the individuals responsible by all means. Most supporters already have. But repeatedly framing the club’s support through the actions of a minority ignores the reality of what this fanbase has represented throughout the season.
But worst of all, this was published the morning after Celtic secured an unlikely-looking double and Keevins just could not allow the fans to enjoy the moment without firing another attack.
Martin O’Neill understood the frustration many Celtic fans feel
Martin O’Neill described some of the reaction to the pitch invasion as “hyperbole” and “nonsense”. He was not defending criminal behaviour. He was pushing back against the idea that Celtic supporters as a whole should be defined by one chaotic afternoon.
That distinction matters.
This is the same support O’Neill has repeatedly praised this season. The same supporters who backed the team home and away in Europe. The same fanbase that helped raise huge sums through the Celtic FC Foundation.
Keevins had every right to criticise the disorder. Most Celtic fans would agree with him on that point. What fans will not accept is the overblown comments in the media that have followed since.
Especially after Martin O’Neill stated claims that Hearts players were assaulted had not been proven.
What many will not agree with is his refusal to let one week pass, even after another trophy win, without turning the spotlight back onto condemning Celtic supporters as a whole.
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