GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Neil Lennon (L) and Stiliyan Petrov after a UEFA Europa League Play-Off First Leg match between Celtic and VFB Stuttgart at Celtic Park, on February 19, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Foy/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Neil Lennon was in no doubt over who was to blame for Celtic’s defeat against Ferencvaros.
It can all be piled entirely onto the players.
Lennon was on co-commentary duty last night as Ferencvaros cruised to a comfortable 3-1 win in the Europa League.
A generation ago Celtic Park was a genuine fortress under Martin O’Neill and Lennon.
One season Rosenborg, Porto and Juventus all lost in the Champions League.
Two seasons later Lyon and Anderlecht fell before Bayern Munich celebrated a 0-0 draw.
Times change. Last season Braga, Stuttgart and Roma all won at Celtic Park after Kairat Almaty took a 0-0 draw in the Champions League Play Off.
Times change. Celtic in 2026 aren’t a patch on the side that O’Neill managed first time around.
With about £80m sitting in the bank after another financially profitable transfer window fans anger is pointed at the boardroom.
LENNON ONLY FINDS BLAME ON THE PITCH
Lennon was twice appointed manager after initially being caretaker.
On duty for TNT Sport he was very clear over where the blame lay for last night’s 3-1 defeat.
The Daily Record reported Lennon saying:
It’s the players. There’s loads of experience out there.
I think the game management of this team has to be called into question, whether it be LASK away or Rangers away and even tonight at times.
Whether it be decision making, not taking enough responsibility on and off the ball.
Of course the manager always gets questions asked but he made four changes tonight to freshen it up and its still the same response.
What should Celtic Fans Collective do with Not Another Penny?
CONTINUE- This is the main way to protest
SUSPEND- Let us see what Celtic Connect produces
ABANDON- No longer required or useful
Lennon is as entitled to his view as anyone. He watched Celtic crumble. Within five playing minutes of equalising they were 3-1 down and looked a beaten team.
Ultimately the buck stops at the very top.
The CEO appoints the manager who prepares and selects the players.
Two years ago Celtic opened their Champions League campaign with a 5-1 win over Slovan Bratilslava.
Last night’s team was barely recognisable.
There are seven more tough Europa challenges ahead with the next one at Benfica on October 15. After that Celta Vigo are in Glasgow. Two teams that most fans would rate well ahead of Ferencvaros.
O’Neill has an opportunity on Sunday to halt the flow of bad results and criticism.
Issues at Celtic will remain regardless of Sunday’s result in the Glasgow Derby.
However a win stalls the build up of pressure. A defeat would kick off 20 days of chaos before facing Motherwell at Fir Park on October 11.
Lennon is a dick.
Lennon hasn’t got the balls to call out Desmond and Co.Sure the players are to blame so is the Coaching staff.they see it every day ,The Rot is systemic.all the way from the Top.O’Neil now knows he is a mug.and has been used.