Ferencváros coach Balázs Borbély has become the centre of an online storm after his side stunned Celtic 3–1 at Celtic Park in their Europa League opener, with supporters reacting furiously to remarks attributed to the Hungarian manager following the match.
Celtic entered the game looking to respond after their disappointing 3–0 defeat to Rangers, but the Scottish champions endured another difficult night in front of their home supporters.
Ferencváros took control of the contest and eventually secured a convincing victory, with Bamidele Yusuf, Kristoffer Zachariassen and former Celtic forward Daniel Arzani finding the net for the visitors. Mika Baur briefly brought Celtic level before Zachariassen restored Ferencváros’ advantage just before half-time, while Arzani added the decisive third shortly after the restart.
The result immediately generated debate among Celtic supporters, particularly because of the manner in which their team was beaten on home soil.
However, the controversy surrounding Borbély goes beyond the result.
A comment attributed to the Ferencváros boss has been circulating online, with supporters claiming he questioned how Celtic could be the Scottish champions based on their performance that night.
The reported remarks have triggered a wave of reactions, with some Celtic supporters demanding that UEFA or another relevant authority investigate the comments and consider whether any punishment is appropriate.
According to the version circulating among fans, Borbély was asked for his honest assessment of the match and how it felt to defeat the Scottish champions 3–1 in front of their own supporters.
The reported response praised the experience of playing on the Europa League stage but then turned sharply toward Celtic, with the manager reportedly questioning the standard of the hosts’ performance.
“It feels great to play on the Europa League stage. Celtic are a great team, but honestly, it’s a bit shameful that they are the Scottish champions judging by how they played tonight. I expected more intensity and cleaner football from them.”
The reported comments did not stop there.
Another part of the remarks circulating online focuses on the physical nature of Celtic’s performance, with Borbély reportedly questioning why his players appeared to receive most of the yellow cards despite feeling that the hosts had been overly physical.
“They were too physical at times, and I don’t understand why we were the ones getting all the yellow cards. We expected a much more intense but cleaner game from them.”
Those specific comments have not been corroborated by the published post-match interviews currently available. In his documented interview with M4 Sport, Borbély instead praised his team’s composure, confidence and attacking performance, saying Ferencváros deserved the victory.
That distinction, however, has done little to stop the online reaction.
Celtic supporters have been quick to challenge the reporter comments, with some arguing that defeating a team 3–1 does not give an opposition manager the right to question its status as Scottish champions.
One supporter wrote:
🗣️ “Winning the game is one thing, but questioning our status as champions is completely unnecessary.”
Another added:
🗣️ “If those comments are genuine, UEFA needs to look at them. There has to be respect between clubs.”
A third fan posted:
🗣️ “They beat us fair and square, but why make comments like that after the game? Just enjoy the win.”
Another Celtic supporter questioned the timing of the alleged remarks:
🗣️ “You can celebrate a huge European victory without disrespecting the opposition. This has gone too far.”
The anger comes after an already difficult week for Celtic.
Martin O’Neill’s side had suffered a heavy defeat to Rangers before returning to Celtic Park for their Europa League opener, meaning the back-to-back setbacks have intensified scrutiny around the team.
For Ferencváros, meanwhile, the night represented a major European statement.
The Hungarian side showed resilience after Celtic started strongly, survived the early pressure and then punished defensive mistakes. Their official account described the victory as a remarkable result at the home of the 56-time Scottish champions.
Borbély’s documented comments after the match were considerably more measured. He explained that his team had expected Celtic to start aggressively and said Ferencváros had to withstand the early pressure before finding opportunities to attack.
But with the alleged comments now circulating among Celtic supporters, attention has shifted from the scoreline to the manager’s supposed assessment of the Scottish champions.
Whether the remarks were genuinely made in the form being circulated remains an important question.
For now, what is beyond dispute is the result: Celtic 1–3 Ferencváros, a damaging home defeat that has left the Scottish champions facing fresh questions at the beginning of their Europa League campaign.
