O’Neill Surprised by Supportive Parkhead Atmosphere After European Exit

Fan discontent over Celtic’s disastrous Champions League play-off exit to LASK was evident at Parkhead on Saturday through a banner reading ‘World Class Embarrassment’, yet the overall atmosphere was more supportive than critical, surprising O’Neill.

Celtic secured the necessary result through a Camilo Duran brace against Falkirk, though Colby Donovan’s own goal made for a tense finish in the final twenty minutes. While not the most elegant victory, it was a vital one.

“As we stepped off the bus, the crowd actually cheered us, which was completely unexpected and something we probably did not deserve. I was genuinely pleased,” O’Neill stated.

Midfielder Luke McCowan, who had been heavily criticized on social media for his performance in Linz, received a standing ovation upon being substituted on against Falkirk.

“I thought the fans were great today,” former Celtic captain Scott Brown told BBC Scotland.

“I liked what they did when McCowan came on. They are the real fans—going to the games rather than hiding behind keyboards. It is disrespectful that Luke has had to delete his Instagram or Twitter. He shouldn’t need to do that. It is simply part and parcel of football to have good games and bad games. I know he will be hurting, but it takes a strong character to bounce back and get on with it. Luke did well when he came on. He is a massive Celtic fan and always wants to do his best for the club.”

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