“Celtic’s Historic Collapse: Legendary Voices Blame Players for Treble Tragedy”

What should have been a season of celebration has instead turned into a tale of disbelief and disappointment. Celtic’s hopes for a historic treble came crashing down in a spectacular fashion, leaving fans stunned, pundits critical, and former legends furious. Once dominant and in control of their destiny, the Glasgow giants have now been forced to reflect on what many are calling one of the most shocking collapses in recent Scottish football history.

The treble winning the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and League Cup in a single season had appeared within reach for much of the campaign. Under the guidance of Brendan Rodgers, expectations were high as the club stormed through early stages of all competitions, showcasing fluid attacking football, strong squad depth, and tactical discipline. But in recent months, something unraveled. Injuries played a part, certainly, but according to several Celtic greats, the deeper issue lay within the players themselves.

From Triumph to Tragedy

Celtic began the season with swagger, lifting the League Cup early and holding a commanding lead in the Premiership. The team looked destined to repeat the feats of the treble winning campaigns under Rodgers’ first tenure. However, cracks began to show as winter turned to spring. A string of inconsistent performances saw Celtic lose vital points in the league, while a lackluster showing in the Scottish Cup semi-final ended their dreams of another clean sweep of domestic trophies.

The final blow came in a league showdown that all but handed the title to bitter rivals Rangers. Lack of urgency, defensive lapses, and a distinct absence of leadership on the pitch turned a potentially title defining match into a comprehensive defeat. For many fans and pundits, this was not just a loss  it was a symbolic collapse.

Legends Speak Out

The fallout has been fierce. Former Celtic captain and club legend Roy Aitken didn’t hold back in his assessment. “This was a team that looked like champions early on,” he said in a post-match interview. “But as soon as the pressure was on, too many players went missing. There was no fight, no leadership. That’s not the Celtic way.”

Similarly, Chris Sutton, another ex-Celtic star turned pundit, was scathing in his criticism. “You can’t put this all on Rodgers. Yes, managers take responsibility, but he put out teams that should have delivered. The players let him down simple as that. Too many thought the job was done in December. That arrogance cost them everything.”

John Hartson, never one to mince words, echoed the sentiment. “When you play for Celtic, you don’t get to switch off. You don’t take games lightly. What I saw was a squad that forgot the badge they were wearing. It’s heartbreaking.”

Where Did It Go Wrong?

Blame has been directed in many directions from questionable January transfers to injuries to key players like Cameron Carter Vickers and Reo Hatate. But the common thread among critics is a lack of character and mental strength among the current squad. Rodgers, known for his meticulous preparation and motivational skills, appeared increasingly frustrated in press conferences toward the end of the season. Though diplomatic in public, sources close to the club suggest he has privately expressed concerns about the mentality and professionalism of certain players.

The dressing room, once seen as united and focused, now appears fractured. Reports have surfaced of discontent over playing time, fitness concerns, and clashes of personality. While none of these alone would typically derail a team, together they seem to have chipped away at the foundation of a title-winning side.

A Turning Point Ahead

Celtic now face a critical summer. With Champions League qualification still hanging in the balance, the board will need to decide whether to back Rodgers in the transfer market or risk another season of disappointment. Several underperforming stars could be shown the door, while new blood with the right mentality will be sought.

Fans, too, are demanding answers. Season ticket renewals, normally a formality, may see a drop if the club fails to act decisively. The message is clear: excuses will no longer be accepted. The supporters want accountability and ambition and they want a team that reflects the fighting spirit of the club’s storied past.

Final Thoughts

Celtic’s collapse is not just a story of lost trophies. It’s a warning about complacency, poor leadership, and the fragile nature of success in modern football. The club’s legends have spoken out not out of spite, but out of love because they’ve worn the shirt, battled in the trenches, and understand what it means to play for Celtic.

The players who remain must now reflect on what went wrong, learn from it, and respond. If they do, this tragedy could become a turning point. If not, it risks becoming the first chapter of a long decline.

The next few months will reveal whether this collapse is a blip or the beginning of something far worse.