“SEND HIM AWAY NOW” – CELTIC FANS TEAR INTO THEIR OWN STAR AFTER 25-MINUTE PERFORMANCE AGAINST KAIRAT; FANS DEMAND HIS EXIT
Celtic Park witnessed frustration, disbelief, and anger on Tuesday night as supporters turned on one of their own. Following Celtic’s disappointing 0-0 draw against FC Kairat in the UEFA Champions League fans flooded social media with furious reactions and their anger was directed at returning full-back Kieran Tierney.
The Scotland international, who rejoined the Hoops in the summer after his spell in the Premier League, was introduced as a second-half substitute. Yet within just 25 minutes on the pitch, his performance sparked widespread criticism from supporters who accused him of being off the pace, careless in possession, and lacking the spark once synonymous with his early Celtic career.
Fans Turn
“Send him away now,” read one post on X (formerly Twitter), echoing dozens of similar sentiments. Another fan wrote: “That’s not the Tierney we remember he looks lost, slow, and not committed enough.”
Others were even harsher, suggesting that Celtic should immediately consider moving him on despite the club having just invested heavily in his return.
“If he can’t manage 25 minutes against Kairat, how’s he going to handle Europe’s top sides?” asked one disgruntled supporter.
The atmosphere at Celtic Park was flat after the goalless draw, and Tierney’s cameo seemed to intensify fan frustration. Celtic, who were expected to win comfortably, failed to break down a disciplined Kairat defense. Several misplaced passes and hesitant touches from Tierney became lightning rods for wider discontent over the team’s lack of sharpness.
From Hero to Target
Tierney’s journey makes the backlash all the more striking. Once hailed as the golden boy of Celtic’s academy, he was adored for his passion, commitment, and fearless playing style. His move to Arsenal in 2019 brought in significant funds for the club but broke many fans’ hearts. Now, after his high-profile return, expectations were immense.
Instead, what should have been a celebrated homecoming has quickly turned sour. The defender’s struggles with injuries in recent seasons have clearly left a mark, and Tuesday’s display gave ammunition to critics who believe he may no longer be the same player who once terrorized wingers and lifted trophies in green and white.
While Tierney bore the brunt of supporter criticism, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is also under scrutiny. The decision to introduce Tierney when the match demanded urgency raised questions. “Why risk a player still building fitness in such a crucial game?” one pundit asked post-match. Rodgers defended the move, insisting Tierney remains a vital part of his plans.
“Kieran has been working hard to get back to full sharpness,” Rodgers told reporters. “We knew giving him minutes tonight would help his progression. He’s an excellent professional, and we trust he’ll be key for us this season.”
However, Rodgers’ words did little to calm fans who see the 0-0 draw as a missed opportunity and fear another difficult European campaign.
The backlash on social media raises a larger question: is the honeymoon period already over for Kieran Tierney at Celtic? For many supporters, patience is in short supply. The club has ambitions of advancing deep into the Champions League, and any weakness perceived or real – quickly becomes a target for criticism.
Some fans, however, urged perspective. A minority pointed out that Tierney was returning from injury, had limited match fitness, and should be given time to settle back into the Scottish game. “It’s one bad cameo. He deserves patience after what he’s given this club,” wrote one Celtic fan page.
What was once a fairytale return could become a nightmare if things don’t change quickly. Celtic fans are famously passionate, but also unforgiving. Tierney, once their darling, has discovered that reality the hard way.
The message from many supporters was clear and brutal: “Prove you still belong, or don’t expect another chance.”
