FANS OUTRAGED AS CELTIC FALL TO DUNDEE AFTER 37 YEARS RODGERS CALLS DEFEAT ‘BITTERLY DISAPPOINTING’ Historic loss at Dens Park sparks fury among supporters and raises questions over Celtic’s title credentials.
FANS OUTRAGED AS CELTIC FALL TO DUNDEE AFTER 37 YEARS RODGERS CALLS DEFEAT ‘BITTERLY DISAPPOINTING’ Historic loss at Dens Park sparks fury among supporters and raises questions over Celtic’s title credentials.
Celtic suffered a stunning defeat at Dens Park as Dundee claimed their first league win over the Bhoys in 37 years, leaving Brendan Rodgers’ side five points off the top and prompting anger among their supporters. Fans expressed their frustration both before and after the match, highlighting concerns over the club’s direction and the team’s lacklustre performance.
The drama began even before the first whistle. Protesters against the club’s board threw balls onto the pitch, delaying kick-off and adding to an already tense atmosphere. Once the match started, Celtic’s attacking play was surprisingly flat, offering little to excite the travelling supporters. The frustration of the fans only intensified as Dundee, widely tipped for relegation, demonstrated focus, discipline, and belief on the pitch.
Dundee set the tone immediately. Clark Robertson opened the scoring with a perfectly angled header from a corner that beat Kasper Schmeichel, giving the hosts a dream start. Dundee’s defensive display was heroic, repelling wave after wave of Celtic attacks. Their counter-attacking threat soon produced the second goal: Cameron Congreve beat Liam Scales before sending in a low cross that deflected off Cameron Carter-Vickers and into the net, doubling Dundee’s advantage and leaving Celtic stunned.
After the break, Celtic thought they had a lifeline when Matthew MacDermid initially pointed to the penalty spot following Paul Digby’s challenge on Reo Hatate. Replays, however, showed Digby had been struck in the face, and the referee wisely overturned the decision. Despite dominating possession and creating opportunities, Celtic struggled to break down Dundee’s well-drilled defensive block. Fans reacted with audible frustration, chanting their displeasure at the flat performance and perceived lack of urgency.
The win lifts Dundee to ninth place and eases the pressure on Steven Pressley, whose tactical planning and motivational work were key to the result. Celtic, meanwhile, face an uphill battle in the title race. Sitting five points behind Hearts after eight games, a trip to Tynecastle next week threatens to push the gap to eight points, leaving supporters worried and increasingly vocal in their criticism.
Analysis: Dundee’s Discipline vs Celtic’s Struggles
Pressley’s tactical plan was executed flawlessly. Jon McCracken, Dundee’s goalkeeper, made just two saves despite Celtic firing 22 shots. Ethan Hamilton controlled midfield with poise, helping his side remain compact defensively while launching dangerous counters. Every Dundee player contributed, demonstrating focus, discipline, and resilience from start to finish.
Celtic, however, struggled to convert possession into meaningful chances. Only three of 22 shots were on target, despite 48 touches in the opposition box and 118 entries into the final third. Kelechi Iheanacho missed multiple opportunities, and Rodgers’ bench offered little reprieve, with young Johnny Kenny the primary substitute. The players’ lack of composure, confidence, and sharpness was a glaring concern for both fans and management.
Voices from the Touchline
Steven Pressley reflected on his team’s performance: “Proud is the word. We’ve worked exceptionally hard over the last couple of weeks. There was a lot of suffering after Aberdeen, but we’ve reacted in the best possible manner. The players executed the plan brilliantly today.”
Brendan Rodgers admitted the harsh reality: “The result and performance are bitterly disappointing. Credit to Dundee, they defended very well when they got in front. The statistics show we dominated possession, but we didn’t do enough with it. It was a disappointing day for us.”
Dundee’s historic victory highlights the power of preparation, discipline, and belief. Celtic, meanwhile, must respond quickly to silence critics and salvage their title ambitions. The defeat serves as a stark reminder that possession and dominance alone are insufficient at the top level; finishing, tactical adaptability, and mental sharpness remain essential.
