Celtic Fans Collective launches fresh attack on board after Champions League disaster
The Celtic Fans Collective has launched a fresh attack on the club’s hierarchy following Celtic’s disastrous Champions League exit to LASK.
Martin O’Neill’s side travelled to Austria protecting a 3-0 first-leg advantage, only to suffer an extraordinary collapse and crash out at the play-off stage.
It means Celtic have now failed to negotiate Champions League qualifying for a sixth successive campaign.
The Celtic Fans Collective believes responsibility extends beyond the players and management, with chief executive Michael Nicholson and chief financial officer Chris McKay singled out for criticism.
Around £30million has been spent on four new signings this summer, but the group insists shortcomings from previous transfer windows have continued to leave the squad short when it matters most in Europe.
“We acknowledge the depth of feeling among supporters following the latest calamitous CL exit. These qualifiers are a test of the Club’s readiness for top tier European football and, for 6th consecutive time, our Board has failed in its duty to give us the best possible chance.
“Despite some promising signings, the squad is clearly nowhere near where it should be. The failures of previous windows were also laid bare as the team struggled against a LASK side who thoroughly deserved to qualify. Last week, we called for a culture of accountability.
“We reiterate that call today. We have repeatedly warned that Michael Nicholson and Chris McKay could not be trusted to lead the Club into another European qualifier. The Board allowed them to do so regardless and, once again, it has cost Celtic and our supporters dearly.
“We must now reckon with another failure under their watch. No fan wishes to return to constant protest, but equally the Club must recognise the anger that exists once again. Accountability must follow if further disharmony between the Club and supporters is to be avoided.
“Celtic Fans Collective will meet again next week. You can join us and play your part in a united voice of independent supporters, fan groups, CSCs and fan media, working together to demand better for Celtic.”
