CELTIC WARN FANS OVER CHANTS AFTER SHOCK LASK COLLAPSE
Celtic have issued a stern warning to supporters following chants directed at Martin O’Neill and the club board during Tuesday’s dramatic European defeat to LASK.
The warning comes after Celtic suffered one of the most remarkable collapses in their recent European history, surrendering a four-goal aggregate advantage before eventually losing 5-1 on the night and 5-4 on aggregate.
With emotions running high, the club has made it clear that supporters who cross the line could face serious disciplinary action.
The Warning That Has Divided Celtic Fans
Celtic have reportedly adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards chants considered abusive or threatening towards the manager or board.
Supporters identified as repeatedly participating could face banning orders, with lengthy exclusions from Celtic Park potentially following.
The development has immediately divided the fanbase.
Some supporters believe the club is right to protect players, staff and officials from personal abuse. Others argue that fans have every right to express their anger after witnessing such a dramatic European collapse.
The atmosphere in Austria changed completely as the match progressed.
From Celebration to Fury
Early in the match, Celtic supporters had every reason to celebrate.
Callum McGregor’s deflected strike had put Celtic 4-0 ahead on aggregate and seemingly placed the Hoops comfortably on course for Champions League qualification.
The mood was understandably positive, with supporters celebrating what appeared to be another step towards the lucrative league phase.
But everything changed after LASK began their comeback.
Benjamin Nygren’s misplaced pass allowed Moses Usor to reduce the deficit, giving the Austrian side renewed belief.
Robert Ljubicic then struck after the interval before Samuel Adeniran added another.
Suddenly, Celtic’s commanding advantage was disappearing.
When Florian Flecker scored in the 90th minute to force extra-time, the away end was understandably furious.
Adeniran’s extra-time winner completed one of the most dramatic turnarounds Celtic have suffered in European competition.
Chants Directed at O’Neill and the Board
As Celtic’s advantage disappeared, sections of the travelling support reportedly turned their anger towards the manager and board.
Chants including calls for Martin O’Neill to leave and demands for the board to be removed were heard.
The incident has now become the subject of the club’s warning.
For some supporters, the chants represented understandable frustration following an unacceptable performance.
For others, criticism crossed into personal abuse and went too far.
That disagreement is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.
McGregor’s Honest Assessment
Celtic captain Callum McGregor did little to hide his disappointment after the final whistle.
The midfielder admitted that Celtic had been too passive and failed to deal with LASK’s pressure.
His comments reflected the frustration felt by supporters who had watched their team surrender what had appeared to be an unassailable lead.
The defeat also has major financial implications.
Instead of progressing into the Champions League league phase, Celtic will now compete in the Europa League, costing the club a significant potential revenue boost.
Celtic Have Previous Experience of Fan Sanctions
The latest warning is not the first time Celtic have taken action against supporters.
The club has previously imposed sanctions involving the Green Brigade following incidents involving stewards and police.
The group was suspended for a period during the 2025/26 campaign, while hundreds of supporters were also prevented from attending first-team matches.
The situation demonstrates that Celtic are prepared to take serious action when they believe supporter behaviour has crossed the line.
Tensions Have Been Building
Relations between sections of the Celtic support and the club hierarchy have been tense for some time.
Earlier this year, interim chairman Brian Wilson called for greater unity among supporters.
There have also been protests and chants directed towards members of the club hierarchy during previous difficult periods.
The defeat to LASK has now reignited those tensions.
The difference this time is that the club appears determined to draw a line under abusive chanting.
Fans Remain Divided
Celtic supporters have offered very different reactions.
One group believes criticism of O’Neill and the board is justified after such a humiliating defeat but insists that personal abuse should not be tolerated.
Others believe the club is attempting to silence legitimate criticism.
One supporter argued that fans who spend their money following Celtic should be allowed to express their frustration.
Another insisted that abusing the manager will not solve the team’s problems and could make an already difficult situation worse.
The disagreement is likely to continue throughout the coming weeks.
What Happens Next?
Celtic are expected to continue reviewing incidents from the match in Austria.
Supporters identified as participating in inappropriate or abusive behaviour could face disciplinary action, depending on the nature and circumstances of the incident.
The club will now attempt to move forward with the Europa League campaign while also dealing with the fallout from the LASK defeat.
Martin O’Neill must also quickly lift his players after what was a devastating night.
The Verdict
Celtic’s warning to supporters has added another layer to the fallout from their extraordinary defeat to LASK.
The Hoops surrendered a 4-0 aggregate lead, eventually losing 5-1 on the night and 5-4 overall, while sections of the travelling support turned their frustration towards Martin O’Neill and the club board.
Celtic have now made their position clear: passionate criticism is one thing, but abusive chanting could have serious consequences.
With the Europa League ahead and the transfer deadline approaching, the club desperately needs everyone focused on the future.
The LASK collapse has already caused enough damage. Now Celtic must prevent the fallout from becoming an even bigger problem.