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Celtic seem to have accepted status as Euro also-rans – no wonder apathy abounds

After Celtic's meek defeat to Benfica, Graeme McGarry asks if apathy has replaced ambition at the club, and wonders what the Lisbon Lions would make of it all.

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 5:00 AM
Celtic seem to have accepted status as Euro also-rans – no wonder apathy abounds
Key Things to Know
  • The Herald argues Celtic has accepted European mediocrity following a comprehensive defeat against Benfica.
  • The writer criticizes Celtic's board for failing to modernize recruitment and address squad weaknesses across multiple transfer windows.
  • The article notes Celtic has conceded 16 goals across recent key matches against Benfica, Ferencvaros, LASK, and Rangers.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Writing for The Herald via USA Today, the article argues that Celtic has meekly accepted becoming European also-rans following another heavy defeat against Benfica. The piece criticizes the club's leadership for commercializing past glories, such as the 1967 Lisbon Lions triumph, while repeatedly failing to modernize recruitment and build a squad capable of competing on the continent.

The writer contends that Celtic's struggles stem from board mismanagement rather than purely financial disparities, highlighting recent poor results against Ferencvaros, LASK, and rivals Rangers. According to the article, manager Martin O'Neill's side is failing to meet expectations, leading to widespread apathy among supporters who have grown accustomed to regular continental setbacks.

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