Celtic fans have been left furious at their former player for what he said live on air
Celtic fans have been left furious at their former player for what he said live on air, with many branding his comments as “disrespectful” and “completely out of touch” with the club’s values. The ex-Celtic star, who was speaking as a pundit during a major television broadcast, made remarks that appeared to criticise the team’s recent performances and question the club’s direction under its current management. His words quickly sparked outrage among supporters, who took to social media in droves to voice their anger.
The controversy began when the former player, who spent several years at Parkhead and won multiple trophies during his time with the Hoops, claimed that the current squad “doesn’t have the same hunger or mentality” as the successful Celtic teams of the past. He went on to suggest that some of the players “look more interested in personal accolades than winning for the badge.” While some pundits nodded in agreement, many Celtic supporters saw the comments as a betrayal from someone who once wore the famous green and white jersey.
Within minutes of the broadcast, clips of his comments began circulating online. On X (formerly Twitter), Celtic fans accused the ex-player of turning his back on the club that helped build his career. One fan wrote, “It’s always the ones who were made legends here that come out and slate the club when things get tough. He should remember where he came from.” Another added, “He was part of this family once, and now he’s talking like a rival pundit trying to stir the pot. Absolute disgrace.”
The backlash didn’t stop there. Several Celtic supporters’ groups issued statements condemning the comments, arguing that criticism from a former player should come with respect and understanding. The Green Brigade, one of Celtic’s most vocal fan groups, reportedly described his remarks as “unnecessary and divisive,” especially at a time when the club is still in the middle of a crucial league campaign. They urged fans to focus on supporting the current squad instead of amplifying negativity from outsiders.
Interestingly, not everyone disagreed with the pundit’s opinion. A section of the Celtic fanbase admitted that while his delivery may have been harsh, the substance of his comments had some truth. One supporter commented, “I don’t like how he said it, but he’s not entirely wrong. We’ve looked flat in some big games lately, and maybe a few players need to hear that kind of tough talk.”
Still, for many fans, the issue wasn’t about the content of his criticism but the manner and timing. Celtic are currently battling on multiple fronts in the Scottish Premiership and in Europe, and fans feel that public criticism from an ex-player during this period only adds unnecessary pressure. They argue that internal matters should stay within the club, not be aired on national television for rival fans to enjoy.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was asked about the comments in his post-match press conference and chose his words carefully. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion,” Rodgers said, “but I know how hard this group works every day. The players give everything for the badge, and as a team, we’ll continue to grow together.” His response was seen as a dignified way to defuse the situation without escalating tensions further.
The former player, meanwhile, appeared to be taken aback by the backlash. In a later radio interview, he defended himself, saying he meant no disrespect and was only offering honest analysis. “I love Celtic and always will,” he said. “But as a pundit, my job is to give an opinion, not just say what people want to hear.” Despite that clarification, the anger among fans shows no sign of fading.
The incident has reignited a wider debate about the role of former players in modern football media, whether they should act as loyal ambassadors for their old clubs or independent voices who speak the truth as they see it. For Celtic fans, though, this particular case has hit a raw nerve. Once a hero at Parkhead, their former star now finds himself on the wrong side of the supporters’ emotions, proving that in football, loyalty and words carry heavy weight long after a player hangs up his boots.
