Almost without exception journalists are complimentary to Scottish teams when they win or even do well while being knocked out of UEFA competitions.
Last week St Johnstone were rightly showered with praise despite being beaten by Galatasaray, supporters recognise the circumstances and the work put in by manager Callum Davidson.
On his own in a new continent Ange Postecoglou has quickly turned Celtic around, producing a winning, attacking team that is selling out Celtic Park game by game.
Beating the third best team in the Czech Republic on a 7-2 aggregate is more than respectable, as is a 2-0 home win over the third best team in the Netherlands. Finishing behind Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, two very well run and successful clubs is quite an achievement.
None of that context impressed Ewan Murray. The Guardian’s golf correspondent doesn’t pretend to be anything other than a Hearts fan, last night he was a Jambo in pain.
Celtic played well, deserved their win and have a decent chance of reaching the group phase of the Champions League.
Despairingly Murray decided to go for the Celtic wage bill claiming that it costs circa £50m. A quick calculation over the 25 man squad allowed by UEFA would result in an average weekly wage of £38,461. I think HMRC and others could discount that claim.
As the Guardian’s occasional Scottish football correspondent should Celtic reach the Europa League group stage Murray is likely to be covering the home matches, golf commitments permitting.
Celtic have improved quickly and have momentum. But.. also a wage bill of circa £50m.. victory over the third best team in The Netherlands is now portrayed as seismic as they chase the Europa League.
— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray) August 18, 2021
Every Celtic fan or neutral must have enjoyed @CelticFC ‘s performance last night. If you didn’t then you need to join hands and contact the living. Alternatively you might be @mrewanmurray in which case if it starts raining soup you will be outside holding a fork! Happy HarryCSC https://t.co/hiSPnWsZ2b
— Brogan Rogan Trevino (@BroganRoganTrev) August 19, 2021
I feel your pain Ewan, and it`s wonderful.
— Tam (@TamMcKenna1888) August 18, 2021
Imagine being happy for a Scottish club in Europe … oh wait, you’re bubbling like a little bitch instead. Absolutely pathetic, reeking, spiteful post from a spiteful little man.
— TheCelticBlog (@CelticBlog2018) August 18, 2021
Alkmaar was good enough to beat and draw Napoli in last season’s EL.
They were also the toughest draw Celtic could’ve gotten at this stage-far tougher than the creampuffs Rangers are matched against. pic.twitter.com/QzwSEMQIcC
— GrandOLTeam (@JBLuvsCeltic) August 18, 2021
He’s mentioned the wage bill to hope Celtic don’t strengthen up anymore.
— ??? (@FR33_PaIestine) August 18, 2021
Thank you, Ewen, for sharing your distress, upsetting and bitterness. It’s truly uplifting for us all.
— SomeWordsToJumpAtMe (@somewordstojump) August 18, 2021
So last season you said Celtic should deliver more on the European stage, and this season you’re moaning because we’re celebrating a good win in Europe? pic.twitter.com/Iw0Qk0Ecrj
— Chairman Lmao ? (@BenTheTim) August 18, 2021
He should be called out on why he hates Celtic.
— Andrew (@Hullbhoy) August 18, 2021
When we are down you savour it. When we play well you snipe. Try being a journalist instead of whining. A good result for Scottish Football – people like you should be advocates rather than talking the game down.
Goodnight— James B (@JBr1977) August 18, 2021
By your abacus that makes every player in a 30 man squad on an average of £34,720 a week! Sit doon.
— Geo Thomson Art ????????? (@geokoart) August 18, 2021
“Moron” .. an appropriate response to a comment about relative football progress? When your team has won? I don’t think social media is for you.
— Ewan Murray (@mrewanmurray) August 18, 2021
Your pain is delicious.
— Dave’s at the rave. (@davidkerr1970) August 18, 2021
