Celtic supporters have not been afraid to voice their concerns this season, even choosing to leave matches early when they feel the need.
Martin O’Neill expressed his disappointment after Celtic fan protests against VfB Stuttgart on Thursday night in the Europa League, though no such protests occurred against Hibernian.
Following Auston Trusty’s red card in the 74th minute, the North Stand at Celtic Park began to empty. Pat Bonner attempted to clarify to lead commentator Liam McLeod that supporters were leaving due to the torrential rain, not because of that turning point in the match.
Former Hibernian player Tam McManus then took to social media to make the questionable claim that Celtic supporters were showing a sense of entitlement by apparently deserting the stands at 1-1.
Sunday brought relentless rain over Glasgow, and those sitting in uncovered sections of the ground would have had a thoroughly miserable experience. Not only did they watch Celtic fall to a late defeat against Hibernian, but they were soaked through in the process. Commentator McLeod initially suggested on BBC Radio Scotland that supporters were heading for the exits, before Bonner stepped in to clarify that many had simply moved back into the stands to take shelter.
McManus made his feelings known online before being roundly challenged in the comments by Celtic supporters. He claimed that the empty seats represented entitlement and complacency running through the club, adding that Celtic had been a shambles all season and deserved nothing from their remaining matches.
Simon Houston, host of the Let Me Be Frank Podcast, was among those to respond, pointing out that the empty seats were located at the front of the stand where supporters were being drenched in unbearable rain. He noted that many had simply moved upward to find shelter, and praised the Celtic support as tremendous on the day, questioning whether McManus had even been present at the stadium.