Three major mistakes Martin O’Neill made during his post-Stuttgart Celtic press conference

Martin O’Neill faced the media following Celtic’s heavy defeat to VfB Stuttgart, and while he attempted to explain what went wrong, several of his comments have sparked debate among supporters.

The result in the Europa League playoff has effectively ended Celtic FC’s European hopes, even though there remains a second leg to be played in Germany. A 4-1 loss at home leaves little room for optimism, and frustration is understandably high. However, in assessing the aftermath, there were three particular areas where O’Neill’s post-match remarks appear open to serious criticism.

Criticism of the fan protest missed the bigger picture

One of the most contentious moments from the press conference came when O’Neill criticised supporters who staged a tennis ball protest at the start of the match. He suggested that those involved “needed their heads read” for disrupting proceedings.

Yet many fans view the protest as a symptom of deeper frustration rather than reckless behaviour. The demonstration was directed at a Celtic board that has faced sustained criticism over recruitment, managerial appointments, and long-term planning. It was the same hierarchy that had to turn back to O’Neill more than once after Brendan Rodgers walked away, and after the mishandled appointment of Wilfried Nancy failed to stabilise the situation.

Supporters also point to what they see as underinvestment in the playing squad. Over the course of the season, Celtic have been outplayed domestically by teams such as Heart of Midlothian FC, Rangers FC, Motherwell FC, and Dundee United FC. Against Stuttgart, the defensive frailties were again exposed, with the German side carving through the Hoops with alarming ease.

There is also ongoing discontent over the continued absence of certain fan groups and what many perceive as poor communication from the club’s leadership. In that context, O’Neill’s sharp words toward supporters have been interpreted by some as misplaced, especially given the broader dissatisfaction surrounding the club’s direction.

Financial explanations fail to convince

Another point of contention came when O’Neill reiterated his stance that Celtic cannot realistically compete at the highest European level due to financial limitations. It is not the first time this season he has referenced monetary disparity as a barrier to success.

However, many fans reject that argument outright. They point to clubs operating with significantly smaller budgets who are nevertheless performing admirably on the continental stage. For example, Bodø/Glimt have demonstrated that strategic planning and smart recruitment can offset financial disadvantages. The Norwegian champions recently secured an impressive 3-1 result against Inter Milan during a winter campaign.

Elsewhere in the Europa League, sides such as FC Midtjylland, SC Braga, and KRC Genk have remained competitive despite operating outside Europe’s financial elite. These examples undermine the notion that money alone dictates outcomes.

Compounding the frustration is Celtic’s own financial position. Reports indicate the club is holding close to £70 million in reserves, yet January recruitment activity was minimal. To many observers, citing financial constraints while significant funds remain unused does not align with the ambition required to improve European performances.

Promises of future European progress lack evidence

Finally, O’Neill’s assertion that Celtic will eventually become a “top-quality European team” has also been met with scepticism. While optimism is natural in football management, critics question what concrete developments justify such confidence.

Recruitment strategy has come under scrutiny, particularly regarding succession planning. It has been a year since the departure of Kyogo Furuhashi, yet the club has struggled to identify a consistent replacement capable of delivering comparable output. Questions have also been raised about the effectiveness of the scouting network and long-term squad building.

Managerial instability further complicates the picture. The board’s repeated reliance on familiar figures, including multiple approaches to Rodgers and interim solutions, suggests a lack of clear strategic direction. Against that backdrop, projecting imminent European growth appears speculative rather than evidence-based.

O’Neill’s frustration after watching his side comprehensively outplayed was understandable. The manner of the defeat, especially at home, was deeply disappointing. However, the tone and focus of his post-match comments have shifted attention away from the team’s shortcomings and toward broader institutional issues.

In the end, many supporters believe his anger was justified — but misdirected. Rather than criticising fan protests or emphasising financial disparity, critics argue that the spotlight should remain firmly on recruitment decisions, boardroom accountability, and the structural changes required if Celtic are to genuinely compete at a higher European level in the years ahead.

Stuttgart supporters issue a statement from the Green Brigade

During Thursday night’s Europa League encounter at Celtic Park, visiting supporters from Stuttgart made a striking gesture that did not go unnoticed. In the away section, a large banner was unfurled carrying a clear and direct message: “End the bans freedom for ultras!” Positioned prominently, it was visible to significant portions of the stadium and quickly became a talking point among those in attendance.

The banner was widely interpreted as a public show of solidarity with the Green Brigade, the well-known ultra group associated with Celtic FC. The Green Brigade remain banned from attending matches, and their absence has been felt at Celtic Park for months. Stuttgart’s fans, by displaying the message on a European stage, ensured that the issue extended beyond domestic discussion and into a broader continental spotlight.

The impact of the Green Brigade’s absence has been noticeable. Traditionally stationed in the North Curve, the group has long been regarded as the driving force behind the stadium’s atmosphere. Their coordinated chants, flags, and tifos have helped shape Celtic Park’s reputation as one of the most intense venues in European football. Without them, the dynamic inside the ground has shifted. While the support remains passionate, the collective rhythm and sustained intensity that once defined big nights have been harder to maintain.

European fixtures in particular tend to magnify that difference. Celtic Park has built a reputation for its electric European atmospheres, where noise rolls from the stands and feeds directly into the team’s performance on the pitch. On this occasion against VfB Stuttgart, there were periods when the energy seemed to waver, especially after setbacks during the match. The absence of a central, organised ultra presence was felt in those moments when a unified push from the stands might once have lifted the team.

Supporter culture often transcends national boundaries, especially among ultra groups who share common values about active support, visual displays, and fan identity. Stuttgart’s travelling support embodied that spirit. They arrived in Glasgow with colour, coordinated chants, and constant backing for their side. Their section remained vibrant throughout the contest, providing a strong and unified presence from first whistle to last.

As events unfolded on the pitch, Celtic faced an uphill battle. Falling behind required a surge of energy both from the players and the stands. When Nygren found an equaliser, the stadium briefly rediscovered its voice. The goal sparked a wave of optimism, lifting supporters from their seats and injecting renewed belief into the match. For a short spell, it felt as though the old intensity might return in full force.

However, defensive lapses soon shifted momentum back toward the visitors. Stuttgart capitalised on Celtic’s mistakes, regaining control of the contest and quieting much of the home crowd. As the German side asserted themselves, the contrast inside the stadium became increasingly apparent. The away section remained organised and loud, while the mood in other areas of Celtic Park appeared more fragmented and subdued.

The visual of the banner lingered beyond its physical presence. While it may not prompt an immediate change in club policy, its symbolism carried weight. By raising the issue during a high-profile European tie, Stuttgart’s supporters ensured that the debate surrounding the Green Brigade reached a wider audience. It demonstrated that developments within one club’s supporter base can resonate across borders, especially within interconnected ultra communities.

The Green Brigade’s ban has been one of the most significant off-field stories surrounding Celtic FC in recent months. Discussions around supporter conduct, club authority, and fan expression have created tension and division. Some argue that strict measures are necessary to maintain order and protect the club’s interests. Others believe that silencing organised support risks eroding a crucial part of the club’s identity and matchday experience.

European nights often act as a stage not only for footballing drama but also for broader narratives. With international media and supporters watching, gestures like Stuttgart’s banner take on added significance. They transform a local issue into a continental conversation. In this case, it was not only Celtic supporters who were reminded of the ongoing dispute, but fans and observers from across Europe.

On the field, the result ultimately stood apart from the banner’s message. The football took its course, shaped by tactical decisions, individual performances, and moments of error. Yet the atmosphere surrounding the match told a parallel story. The organised vibrancy of Stuttgart’s support highlighted what Celtic Park has historically been known for and what many feel has been diminished in recent months.

The banner alone will not resolve the situation. Club policies are rarely altered by a single act of solidarity, however visible. But it underscored that the matter is not confined to Scotland. It is being observed, discussed, and interpreted by supporters elsewhere who see common ground in issues affecting ultra culture.

In the end, Thursday night became about more than just a Europa League fixture. It showcased the enduring power of supporter identity and cross-border solidarity. While the scoreboard reflected Stuttgart’s control in key moments, the stands told another story — one about community, expression, and the ongoing debate over the place of ultras in modern football.

Andy Halliday claims it’s ‘madness’ what’s happening with Callum McGregor at Celtic

Callum McGregor is set to play a crucial role for Celtic FC as they navigate a demanding run of fixtures in the weeks ahead.

However, Andy Halliday has voiced concerns about the sheer volume of matches the Celtic captain is being asked to play, particularly with another series of high-stakes games looming.

The Motherwell FC midfielder pointed to Celtic’s decision to start McGregor against Auchinleck in the Scottish Cup back in January as “madness,” suggesting the midfielder is in need of both a mental and physical reset.

Celtic are preparing to host VfB Stuttgart in the Europa League on Thursday evening for the first leg of their play-off tie. Given McGregor’s importance to the team, it would be no surprise to see him once again named in the starting XI for such a significant European encounter.

Halliday questions McGregor’s workload

Speaking on Open Goal, the panel analysed Celtic’s recent performances, particularly their apparent struggle to control matches. Their latest dramatic late victory, this time away to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park, sparked debate about the team’s overall structure and rhythm.

Ordinarily, McGregor is the player dictating proceedings from midfield, setting the tempo and ensuring Celtic maintain control. Yet Paul Slane suggested that any dip in McGregor’s influence might reflect broader issues within the team rather than the captain alone.

The discussion then shifted toward McGregor’s minutes on the pitch, with Halliday emphasising that the midfielder’s heavy workload could be contributing to his recent performances. In his view, McGregor is playing far too often and could benefit from time out of the starting lineup.

Si Ferry remarked that he had never seen McGregor appear so ineffective in matches, recalling a first half in which he struggled to remember the captain making a forward pass. Slane countered by questioning whether that was more a symptom of Celtic’s overall lack of control as a team.

Ferry responded by highlighting the importance of structure, rotation, and movement within a side, suggesting that Celtic currently lack the fluidity that once defined them.

Halliday then reinforced his point, noting that McGregor has arguably been the best player in Scotland for the past seven or eight years. Despite that status, he believes the constant reliance on him is excessive.

He referenced the decision to play McGregor in the Scottish Cup tie against Auchinleck — a non-league opponent — as particularly baffling. In Halliday’s eyes, that choice epitomised the overuse of a key player who rarely gets a break.

According to Halliday, there are times when even the most important individuals need to be taken out of the firing line. He stressed the value of both mental and physical recovery, especially ahead of what promises to be an intense and decisive period in the season. While he acknowledged that McGregor would still feature in Celtic’s strongest starting lineup, he argued that selective rotation would be beneficial.

A look at McGregor’s season workload

The core of the issue is not just that McGregor starts almost every match — it’s that he is rarely substituted. Opportunities for rest during games have been minimal, leaving little room for recovery.

The fact that the former Scotland international featured against lower-tier opposition in the Scottish Cup only amplified concerns about squad management and rotation.

So far this season, McGregor’s numbers underline Halliday’s argument:

• Games played: 42
• Starts: 41
• Appearances off the bench: 1
• Matches with 90+ minutes: 38
• Times substituted: 3

Those figures illustrate just how heavily Celtic rely on their captain. With such limited rotation and minimal early substitutions, McGregor has shouldered a significant burden across domestic and European competitions.

As Celtic head into a crucial phase that includes European ties and key league encounters, the debate over McGregor’s workload is unlikely to fade. While his importance to the side is unquestioned, the question remains whether reducing his minutes now could ultimately benefit both the player and the team in the long run.