Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has slammed the protestors who targeted principal shareholder Dermot Desmond with tennis balls during a golf tournament in St Andrews, insisting the scenes were a world away from what the club should represent.
The confrontation, involving a small group of balaclava-clad supporters, sparked another bitter flashpoint in the club's ongoing civil war. Parkhead chiefs later issued a stinging statement claiming the protestors had "shamed" the club, and the Green Brigade announced a boycott of home Europa League matches and Scottish Cup ties.
O'Neill's Strong Reaction
Having walked into a full-blown civil war when he returned to Celtic Park last season, O'Neill said he was devastated to see the same bitter divisions tearing the Hoops apart again. He said: "Well, I came into this situation this time last year and it seems to be going back to that again. I don't agree at all with what happened up at St Andrews. I think that it's not Celtic."
Drawing a direct comparison with Celtic's Old Firm rivals, he added: "I mean, we derided Rangers in the game for wearing balaclavas. And then suddenly we're doing this stuff. This is not Celtic at all. There are forms of protest if that's the case."
Manager's Limitations
O'Neill acknowledged the limits of his influence, saying: "What I can say is that I'm no longer able or haven't been ever able to control a number of things. I can't control what supporters do and I can't control the media. I've never been able to do that at all. So what I try and focus on as much as possible is trying to control what I think I'm able to. And that is my relationship with the players. That's the most important thing for me. I'm a manager."
He also reflected on the club's proud history, recalling: "I can remember Seville – 80,000 people, no arrests, cheering the team on. That was Celtic. And then that moment of euphoria when the final whistle went against Hearts when we win the league from a position of almost no hope, so those are great. The fans were with us. Did I agree on what happened up there (St Andrews)? Not at all. It is not Celtic."
Peace Efforts and Team News
O'Neill previously declared he would be willing to attempt to broker peace between the hierarchy and disgruntled supporters, but he now admits he has little chance of bringing the warring factions together. Pointing to Sir Alex Ferguson's struggles in attempting to mediate during Manchester United's turbulent relationship with their owners, O'Neill said: "I am a fool, absolutely. You can get carried away with yourself at times. I suppose the best person to ask is maybe Sir Alex Ferguson about the comings and goings way back where he was asked questions about the Glazers. So if Sir Alex can't sort it out there is not much hope for the rest of us."
Meanwhile, O'Neill revealed that returning star Jota could make his injury comeback against Motherwell. The Portuguese winger played 45 minutes in a bounce game last week and could be included in the matchday squad. O'Neill said: "There's every possibility. He's been training with us now for quite some considerable time. But that was the first time he'd played what I would call a semi-competitive game."
However, Cameron Carter-Vickers is a serious doubt after missing training with a calf strain, and Yang faces a period on the sidelines after suffering an injury with South Korea. O'Neill also confirmed the Hoops wouldn't be making a move for free agent Tiemoue Bakayoko.
