Neil Lennon’s quotes about Leigh Griffiths completely overshadowed Celtic’s first match in more than four months, a highly credible 1-1 draw with Nice.
Since returning to the club in February 2019 the Celtic boss has been protective and supportive of the striker but going by his comments last night a few boundaries have been crossed.
Returning to training overweight was the main criticism but Griffiths’ use of social media also got under Lennon’s skin with the striker digging out slogans and famous sayings predicting his comeback.
Over the years the former Hibs striker has taken incredible levels of abuse on social media but seems an approachable and grounded type which has resulted in Celtic fans rallying round in support.
Going by the reaction on Twitter that backing is fast dwindling away. Despite going into detail about an individual player there was virtually no criticism of Lennon from Celtic supporters, backing for Griffiths was thin on the ground.
The next step is clearly upto the player. Any use of social media would be ill-advised, the only reaction has to be in his lifestyle. A change of approach off the pitch matched by complete dedication on the training ground.
If that happens there may be a chance of redemption but Lennon didn’t speak out off the cuff last night, there was a lot that he wanted to get off his chest. Clearly, he feels that his support has back-fired on the eve of a critical season.
Plans to bring in another striker will be underway. In the last fixture before Lockdown Griffiths scored a hat-trick in a 5-0 win over St Mirren, as others emerge from four months on hold it looks like Griffiths will have to wait much longer for a return to the old normal.
For leigh Griffiths to alow himself to get out of shape knowing there is other strikers waiting to take his place means his hearts not in it anymore for whatever reason. he’s had his day time to move on.
— kris (@Krisolating) July 17, 2020
It doesn’t look good at the minute for Leigh Griffiths after reading Neil Lennon’s comments, but if there’s one thing about that lad’s proved in the past it’s that he can turn things around. Hope he knuckles down and gets back in condition and into the team. I think he will.
— Stephen (@PortGlasgow20) July 17, 2020
Just saw NL’s interview on Leigh Griffiths, sounds like his time is up tbh which is a shame but he’s had more than enough chances and support from the club if it does turn out that way. I expect we will be seeing much more of Polish Paddy this season. #Celtic #Griffiths
— Mick (@MickBhoy93) July 16, 2020
Without sounding nasty, there’s only so much Celtic can do for Leigh Griffiths. There’s a big difference between him having poor mental health and him just expecting to be mollycoddled. No room for passengers this season.
— Colleen (@col_cogs) July 16, 2020
I absolutely love Leigh griffiths n I hope he comes back stronger than ever #KeepTheFaith https://t.co/RcEX612MIl
— mark mcwhinnie (@markmcwhinnie2) July 17, 2020
I have a degree of sympathy for Leigh Griffiths and the club has bent over backwards to support him, I am siding with our manager tonight. There is no room for sentiment, nor is there room for passengers. Especially this season.
— Tomás O’Malley (@tomascfc72) July 16, 2020
Leigh Griffiths has had some serious battles with his mental health. Every fan, and everyone at Celtic knows this. Football has been his escape. This break has probably been really tough for him. I’m reading a lot of negative comments. I really think we should support him!
— Mikey Kennedy (@Mikeykennedy67) July 16, 2020
Slippery slope for him. in a decade he could be one of many players broke, looking back at the chance of a privileged life sqauandeged.
— Sbuddie (@Sbuddiesaints) July 16, 2020
I think Leigh Griffiths is one of the best finishers we have had for a long time but enough is enough, the shirt shrinks for no man, screw the nut and be a legend, carry on and be an after thought, upto you Super Leigh ?
— Celtic_Bhoy1888 (@bhoy1888_celtic) July 16, 2020
Leigh Griffiths is a tough one. I kinda feel Celtic should be protecting him more considering everything but if he’s not doing his job; what else can they do.
It’s a shame considering how key a role he played at the end of last season.
— Liam (@LK95_) July 16, 2020