Hugh Keevins believes Martin O'Neill should have offered his resignation after Celtic's defeat in Lisbon, testing whether anyone at the club has the manager's best interests at heart.
Speaking after Celtic's comprehensive Europa League loss to Benfica, Keevins argues O'Neill made a colossal misjudgement by returning to the club after winning a league-and-cup Double last term. He states O'Neill has lost the moral authority to continue in his post, adding he can no longer take him seriously in a role where he consistently exhibits errors of judgement in team selection and game management.
Club on the verge of implosion
Keevins writes it is no longer about O'Neill's legacy at Celtic, but about his self-esteem being denied any hope of recovery because of a club on the verge of implosion. He notes problems will intensify if Hearts beat Celtic this afternoon, putting the team into third in the league.
The manager is being let down by his employers, with principal shareholder Dermot Desmond appearing to have a financial but not emotional investment in the club. There is also a poverty of choice regarding the players at O'Neill's disposal.
Fan unrest and board decisions
Keevins highlights that Celtic have lost their last three European ties by three, four and five goals respectively. They failed to make the Champions League, went out of the first domestic cup to Rangers, and face renewed Premiership pressure today.
The board will charge £35 for home ticket-scheme holders to watch Celtic play Celta Vigo, with money already taken from supporters' accounts. The Green Brigade and Celtic Collective will give the match a miss, objecting to being called for everything in an unsigned club statement after tennis balls were thrown towards Desmond in St Andrews a fortnight ago.
Keevins draws parallels to Ronny Deila's time as manager, when the top half of the stadium was closed on European nights due to lack of public interest. He suggests the noxious narrative at Celtic Park will be one for a toxicologist if anything goes wrong against Hearts this afternoon.
