Paul Merson slammed Celtic for celebrating a 4-0 win like they had beaten big team

Celtic’s commanding 4-0 victory has left fans elated, but football pundit Paul Merson has offered a starkly different perspective on the celebrations that followed the match. In a candid post-match analysis, Merson praised striker Johnny Kenny for his individual brilliance but strongly criticized the team’s over-the-top celebrations, arguing that the jubilation should be reserved for bigger challenges ahead, particularly the upcoming clash against Rangers.

Yet, while Kenny’s performance was widely celebrated, Merson was unwilling to extend the same level of approval to the interim coach. He suggested that the team’s celebration reflected a lack of discipline or focus, implying that the real test still lies ahead.

Speaking on live television, Merson did not hold back.

“Celtic played well, there’s no doubt about that,” he said, referring to the convincing 4-0 scoreline. “But the way the players were celebrating after the final whistle… it looked like they had beaten a top European team or even Liverpool. They haven’t. It’s good to win, but perspective matters.”

Paul Merson; “ 4-0 win raises serious SPFL integrity questions. He added, ‘Celtic needs to answer John McGlynn’s questions fans and the league deserve transparency.’ While praising individual performances, Merson stressed that the dominant result shouldn’t overshadow concerns about fairness and accountability within Scottish football.”

His remarks drew attention because they contrasted sharply with the atmosphere inside the stadium, where fans and players alike were clearly in a euphoric mood.

Despite his criticism of the team, Merson was quick to highlight Johnny Kenny’s standout performance. The striker, who scored two of the four goals, clearly caught the former Arsenal star’s eye.

“Kenny was outstanding today. He scored, he showed pace, movement, and composure in front of goal,” Merson said. “You can see his confidence growing under the interim management, and he’s clearly giving everything for Celtic. That’s the kind of player who can carry a team through tough fixtures.”

Kenny’s goals were a perfect example of his instinctive positioning and clinical finishing. In both instances, he displayed a calmness in front of goal that suggested a player hitting his stride. Fans and analysts alike praised his work ethic, noting that his energy on the pitch has injected a new spark into the squad. Even Merson, despite his critical tone, admitted, “You can’t fault Kenny today. He deserved all the praise he’s getting. It was an excellent individual performance.”

“I know people want to celebrate, but let’s not forget there’s a bigger game coming. Rangers are a huge challenge. The players should save some of that energy for the fixture that really matters,”

Merson warned. He emphasized that true respect for achievements comes from context, noting that even a 4-0 win can be misleading if it encourages complacency.

Merson’s comments have already sparked debate on social media. Many fans defended the team, arguing that a 4-0 victory deserves celebration regardless of the opponent. Others agreed with Merson, suggesting that perspective and restraint are important, particularly in a league where momentum and confidence can be pivotal. The discussion has highlighted the fine balance between enjoying success and maintaining professional focus, a debate that has followed Celtic for much of the season.

The interim coach, who oversaw the team during this commanding win, received noticeably little mention in Merson’s analysis. While some interpret this as a slight, others suggest it underscores the notion that individual brilliance like Kenny’s performance can sometimes overshadow the subtle work of coaching. Regardless, the conversation has centered on the need for Celtic to channel their energy effectively in preparation for upcoming fixtures, particularly high-stakes matches against league rivals.

As for Kenny, his post-match interview mirrored Merson’s praise. The striker spoke openly about the team’s improvement, his own confidence, and his excitement at scoring twice in such a significant win. Fans have been quick to share clips of Kenny celebrating, and his comments are going viral, highlighting the impact of individual performances even amid broader debates about team behavior.

Looking ahead, the spotlight will inevitably shift to Celtic’s next major challenge. While a 4-0 victory is impressive on paper, pundits like Merson argue that maintaining perspective and focus is crucial. In his view, celebrations should be measured, with the true test reserved for matches against top opponents like Rangers. Whether the players heed this advice remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Kenny’s performance has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, even as debates about team mentality continue to swirl.

while Celtic can take pride in a dominant win, Paul Merson’s analysis serves as a reminder that football is as much about timing and context as it is about scorelines. The clash between celebration and caution has become the latest talking point among fans, and the coming weeks will determine whether Celtic can back up Kenny’s heroics with consistent team focus and results against bigger opponents.