There is one background issue that Celtic have to address, one that no-one could have predicted and without a simple solution.
As you watched the Celtic players celebrating after the final whistle at Easter Road two items stand out under close inspection.
While Adam Idah takes the acclaim there is a Palestine flag prominent among the supporters, of the players that finished the match Liel Abada is the only one missing from the post match celebrations.
It is a perfectly natural reaction, he is a 23-year-old a long way from home, the only Israeli in Scottish football, he is clearly uncomfortable. It is also natural for that unease to be reflected in Abada’s performances.
Could analyse this for hours after last night’s performance. Raw passion/agression from Mcgregor & Hart. Was same from Rodgers (not shown). No Abada. Kyogo detached & doesn’t acknowledge Rodgers. + Palma getting Idah involved. Fans have a massive part to play to win this title. pic.twitter.com/6qkUSDHJZg
— RaisedOnCeltic (@Raised_OnCeltic) February 8, 2024
More than a month after his return from injury it is difficult to recall a telling contribution that the winger has made. He is far from alone in that but there are special circumstances to his situation.
Teamwork and camaraderie is essential for success in sport, Abada’s uneasiness is bound to be noticed and impacting on some of his team-mates.
The situation in Gaza isn’t one that can be worked out or overcome, it is long term and not doing Celtic or the player any favours.
A loan move was suggested last month, there are still some transfer windows open with a loan until the summer surely the best option for all involved in an awkward issue not covered in Coaching Manuals or HR Best Practise.
I get that mate, but following on from the performance didn’t feel like a united team. Like I say, I could analyse it for hours. Abada probably wary of Palestine flags and being pictured.
— RaisedOnCeltic (@Raised_OnCeltic) February 8, 2024
Should Celtic send Liel Abada out on loan?
Yes, no one is benefiting at present
No, separate issues, we have trophies to win
I know he’s young . But if he can’t handle the situation , then move him on. For his own sake , and for Celtics sake . IF he does move on then I wish him all the best.
What a bloody stupid statement.
No, and why? He doesn’t need to prove himself; he’s shown in past seasons that he more than ready for the first team. Although his extended injury phrase was of suspicious timing as a certain political event simultaneously unfolded in the middle east.
His international manager attacks Celtic and accuses the club of being a breeding ground for anti-sematic sentiment and Abba (through his recent displays) gives off the vibe that he’s already checked out and looking a move away. Dose he not approve of the Palestine support among large sections of the Celtic fanbase people? gods knows but he along with O’Reilly, Hatate and Kyogo will be shifted come the summer
Speaking of right wingers …if I did not know better ,I would say that new recruit Nic Kuhn is Patrick Roberts In disguise ! Facially , left peg , cutting inside defenders . The only slight change would be the hairstyle , but that’s nothing . A ringer !
Abada is not playing well,
but most of the team are not playing
well – so wouldn’t single him out.
But, yes you’d guess he must be
affected by events in Gaza / israel?
Is the real question about Transfer strategy
– if we have one?
Why does the club buy Israeli players
when it knows there is a high risk of
this exact scenario happening with Abada?
Not fair on the player, and not fair on
the paying support either.
That’ll be the same ‘Palestinian’ flag that was waved in cities around the world on October 8th in celebration of the previous day’s massacre.
Oh, fuck off.
And don’t bother replying.
[Apologies Joe.]
Yeah, can’t blame the guy for being offended at that flag being waved in his face just like I don’t want a Union Jack waved in my face. We don’t if he has friends or family caught up in the war in Gaza right now.
Kennea possibly the Palestinian flag bearer what an incredibly ludicrous statement. Greater scrutiny needs to be applied to comments on CNN
Remember that the player is a professional footballer. He will know what is best for him.
Pointless story, really!
Political banners may possibly have cost Celtic a player then…
But look at all the shit poor Derry lad James McLean suffers in England –
And he’s suffered it enough over many years and has the mental fortitude to overcome it season after season…
So some can clearly do it !
Why single out Abada. Palma Scales and a few others are shite. Abada has shown he can do the business. Send him out on loan. Are you nuts.
Editor: There are special non-football circumstances around Abada.
Joe, Early January, BR had a “Heart to Heart” talk to Liel Abada about his fears etc
This was reported by The Scottish Sun. That’s admirable, but putting it in the paper
was of doubtful value. The last Sport Scientist at Celtic FC, Anton Mc Elhone, studied Psychology with his degree. I guess he was a trained Sport Counsellor.
Has Anton been replaced? If not, why not?
It’s a stupid story. He is a young man who we should be supporting through a difficult time. Out on loan is nuts. Write something about our mediocre team instead. Players that would never get a start under Ange starting each week. Terrible state of affairs. If not sorted soon we will lose the title to a very poor sevco.