Celtic collapses in Linz, criticized for Champions League failure
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 8:20 AM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
Celtic suffered a major setback in the UEFA Champions League playoff against LASK in Linz on August 25, 2026. After leading 4-0 on aggregate, they conceded five unanswered goals, culminating in a 5-1 defeat that eliminated them from contention. The team faced intense criticism for their performance, with manager Martin O'Neill and the board being held accountable for the outcome. Questions are being raised about player mindset and tactical decisions made during the match, particularly in the second half and extra time. A thorough review is anticipated as Celtic seeks to understand this significant failure in the tournament.
- •Celtic led 4-0 on aggregate before collapsing.
- •They lost 5-1 in the second leg, eliminating them from the tournament.
- •Criticism focuses on O'Neill, players, and board for lack of accountability.
- •Concerns grow over player mindset and tactical decisions.
- •Celtic aims to address issues before the rest of the season.
- 9:00 AMYahoo Sports — “This was majorly disappointing,” Martin O’Neill. “That’s my responsibility”
- 8:20 AMYahoo Sports — Martin O’Neill, his players and Celtic Board all deserving of intense criticism
"Martin O’Neill was prepared to take the blame for what was a shambles of a performance from his Celtic side in Linz last night…Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic looks on during the UEFA Champion...
"Celtic’s absolute disaster in Linz. Who’s to blame? Martin O’Neill? The players? The board? All of them have to take responsibility for that calamity…Camilo Duran of Celtic reacts after the UE...
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 9:00 AM“This was majorly disappointing,” Martin O’Neill. “That’s my responsibility”
Martin O’Neill was prepared to take the blame for what was a shambles of a performance from his Celtic side in Linz last night…Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic looks on during the UEFA Champion...
- Yahoo SportsAug 26, 2026, 8:20 AMMartin O’Neill, his players and Celtic Board all deserving of intense criticism
Celtic’s absolute disaster in Linz. Who’s to blame? Martin O’Neill? The players? The board? All of them have to take responsibility for that calamity…Camilo Duran of Celtic reacts after the UE...
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