Hugh Keevins has launched a scathing attack on Celtic, accusing the club of exploitation and alienation of its fanbase. Writing in his latest column, Keevins argues that Celtic's stagnation is evident in their failure to modernise and their dismissive treatment of supporters. He points to the launch of a second new shirt on the same day Martin O'Neill's side were thrashed by Sporting Lisbon in a friendly honouring the Lisbon Lions as a prime example of exploitation.
Fan alienation reaches new heights
Keevins claims the relationship between the majority of Celtic fans and principal shareholder Dermot Desmond has hit rock bottom, with supporters no longer tolerating his autocratic rule. He recalls the last AGM, where a statement partly read by Desmond's son Ross sparked outrage and led to the meeting being abandoned. The statement allegedly dismissed dissidents as 'aggressive or irrational' and 'anti-establishment', yet the club is happy to sell them replica kits.
Transfer inactivity and squad decline
Keevins highlights the club's failure to strengthen the squad, noting that only one player, Camilo Duran, has arrived since the summer window opened five weeks ago. He criticises the handling of striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who eventually joined Turkish side Bursaspor after Celtic haggled over money, missing crucial pre-season training. Keevins describes Iheanacho as 'Celtic's problems in microcosm', with everything taking an eternity and standards falling.
Manager Martin O'Neill admitted he hadn't asked Desmond for assurances on the transfer budget when renewing his contract, and said appointing a head of recruitment was 'not top of the list'. Keevins finds this contradictory, especially after O'Neill told fans in Ireland that Celtic were in 'major need of signings' and the squad was 'not good enough to compete at a high level'.
Contradictory claims from O'Neill and Nicholson
Keevins also takes aim at CEO Michael Nicholson, who told fans that transfer business was difficult due to agents and competition from English clubs. However, Keevins notes that Rangers have signed seven players since the end of last season. He questions why Celtic struggled to tie down Iheanacho, an out-of-contract player, when Nicholson claimed such deals were easier.
Keevins concludes that Celtic got away with a league and cup double last season despite themselves, but warns that trouble and division are coming when competitive results start. He says the board appears 'dazed and confused' while fans feel betrayed, and that taking supporters for mugs will lead to conflict.
