GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 16: Celtic manager Martin O'Neill lifts the trophy during a William Hill Premiership match between Celtic and Heart of Midlothian at Celtic Park, on May 16, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)
It has been a difficult few days for some of the enemies of Celtic, and I, for one, am delighted that it has been a difficult few days for them. Our title win has shattered a great many of them.
A lot of them have had to roll back on previous comments because they realise their inflammatory remarks have caused real problems for people.
Some of them are trying to rewrite their own personal history. Some of them think merely saying, “I was wrong about Celtic’s chances of winning the title,” will be enough to save them from the criticism they are due.
Every one of those people is wrong.
The way they have behaved is unconscionable. Some of them have revealed a stupidity and a bias that is beyond belief. It is incredible to me that some of them think they have emerged from this with a shred of credibility. They lost any of that they might once have possessed a long time ago, and all this has done is put the tin hat on it.
People like Keevins do not come back from this, because whatever motivated some of their remarks over the last few months, it was not rational, reasonable analysis. A lot of it came down to hatred.
Have you ever seen such a visceral reaction to a side winning a title?
We’re being attacked for what we did before the game. We’re being attacked for what we did during the game. We’re being attacked for what we did after the game. The intent here is to paint Celtic Football Club, from the boardroom to the fans, as some inherently evil gathering of people. An institution this country would perhaps be better off without.
I know it’s bitterness. I know it’s envy. I know the people behind this are motivated by some of the most base emotions. But the fact we can’t get a fair hearing anywhere is disgusting, and it is clear these people will smear the name of Scottish football itself in pursuit of their goals. They don’t care if they have to destroy everything, as long as it hurts us.
How can one title win have broken these people so badly?
We win these things. This is our fifth in a row. Our fifteenth in sixteen years. Is this the straw that broke the camel’s back? Or is this just the one where they caught a glimpse of what victory might look like and let it go to their heads?
Because it seems that way, doesn’t it?
Whether through the Hearts fairy-tale fantasy or the one they manufactured around the Ibrox club and Danny Rohl, these people thought we were vulnerable. They thought we were on our knees and just about finished off. They allowed themselves to imagine a world where we were broken.
Usually, this kind of delusion is limited to a wild, crazy section of the Ibrox fan base. The section that falls for the same trick every single year, believing in its own BS and thinking that a good run of form means they are suddenly world-beaters.
The Ibrox club’s so-called good run of form involved beating us when Nancy was manager, beating Hearts at Ibrox in a game where Hearts crumbled, and beating a managerless Aberdeen twice. A lot of us said at the time that there were obvious extenuating circumstances in almost every one of those games.
Still, they allowed themselves to believe that it made them better than they were. The Celtic result in particular was hyped beyond all reason, even though Nancy had suffered six defeats in his eight games, including against Hearts, who drew the same conclusions as Ibrox and thus were lulled into the same false sense of security.
But the Hearts thing sent other people absolutely out of their minds, and it was never really all that likely. Hearts had never been over the course. The closer they got to the end, the more unlikely it was that they were going to make it over the line.
The moment the fixture list came out and McInnes and Hearts freaked over it, that was the moment you knew the pressure was already starting to tell.
It was already starting to break them down.
On Wednesday night, everyone in the country saw the disintegration in full tilt. It was written on the faces of their players and on McInnes too.
I understand how it happened. That’s what I’m trying to say. I’m not going to deny how it happened. I accept that we stole hope from a lot of people.
They had dreamed of a different Scottish football. They had dreamed of one where Celtic were not dominant. They looked at the mess we made as a club this season and honestly wondered what it meant for the game if we still emerged as champions.
I raised that issue myself, and I’ve said that it does not mean anything good.
In one of our worst years, with one of our worst teams, we still did enough to get over the line.
It took until the final day, yes. But the way the media ignored what many of us had said, about how this team tends to find itself in the closing stages of campaigns if there is still work to be done, was almost unbelievable.
I think part of the loathing poured on us over the last couple of weeks, and in particular over the last couple of days, is because these people feel foolish. They feel stupid. They realise how wrong they were. They realise the last thing they should ever have done was dismiss us.
They realise that we are too strong to be so casually written off.
I mean, if someone like Paulina can see this clearly, and she has only been following the team for a couple of years, why can’t the people who cover it on a weekly basis? Why can’t people who have watched the whole of our five years at the top this time, and the nine successive title wins prior to it, understand what they are seeing?
Which part were they missing? Why didn’t they get it?
Some of these people are making exactly the same mistake right now. They wanted to believe the old order was falling. They wanted to believe Celtic were on a downslope and Hearts were going to be the next big thing. They are still talking as if Hearts will be around in the same form, playing the same football and dreaming the same dream this time next year.
It is not going to happen. I’m amazed that an entire industry made up of people who think of themselves as experts genuinely believes what it is saying.
So let me repeat it again.
A full European and domestic schedule combined will crush that Hearts team. There will be nothing left of it. The title challenge will die within the first two months of the season starting, and people will wonder what happened. Then they won’t question any of it.
For one season, Hearts captured lightning in a bottle, comparatively speaking. But if we had been just a little bit better, if we had made signings who were just a little bit more capable, if we had not appointed Nancy, this would not even have been a contest.
For all the football Hearts allegedly played, this would not even have been close had we been just 5% better.
All those extenuating circumstances we talked about still apply.
Hearts benefited from not having to play European football. They benefited, perversely, from not having any kind of extended run in either of the two cup competitions. There is no sign at all that they can repeat their form of this season in the next campaign, where we will absolutely have to be better than we have been this time around.
So yes, I understand where this grotesque overreaction has come from.
I understand that the vitriol and hatred being poured on this club is partly a consequence of frustration. That is not to give it an alibi. That is not to make excuses for the people behind it, because they have no alibi and they have no excuses.
An awful lot of it is just old-fashioned anti-Catholic, anti-Irish hatred. Bigotry of the most appalling sort. It is ugly and feral and it has heaped shame on this country and the only way to prevent further damage is to say it out loud. This is vile stuff we’re dealing with here and the more people say that out loud, the better.
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Gutter press writ8ng alleged this and alleged that and police told hearts to leave immediately- show us the fucking proof of any alleged assault so the bampot committing the alleged assault can be arrested. If you cant them time to shut the fuck up and issue an apology to Celtic
The anti Celtic hatred has been unbelievable this last couple of weeks
Fuck them all – time to apply La Liga or the Portuguese league or somewhere else and let this shower of bastards go down the plug into the shithole where they belong.
I agree with you Stevie, Celtic should be looking to try and join the Spanish, French or Portuguese League, Scotland does not want us here they are quick to take our money then usher us to the back of the bus. Hell mend them.
There’s next to zero chance of getting in to any of those leagues. Far too many hurdles. Best to stay here and put more nails in the rangers coffin.
This isn’t just about the football. Scotland has a problem with our identity and culture thats been prevalent for a very, long time. Would it be fair to argue that things have changed, yes, to an extent, but if you watch and listen very carefully, you see, hear and feel it. An example being, going on public transport, or walking about the city-centre with a scarf on, the looks and comments tell me all I need to know. Go to other cities in Scotland, its worse in my opinion. It’s not a huge part of the population, but its still there. I can only go on my own experiences and that’s what occurs.
The football seems to be an accepted conduit for people to display their prejudice, and I’m not just talking about the huns. I’ve heard it at every away ground, and also from the Tartan Army. It’s overt, but still there. If you are Irish, a Catholic, which I’m not, or support Celtic, you know what to expect. Since Wednesday this has become more and more apparent. People outwith our identity have lost their minds.
Yes indeed. From the usual suspects like Kris Terical, Cheeky Chappie Mc Oink, Disgusted ” up tae his knees ” McInnes, to the likes of the Motherwell moron, who really showed his true colours with his agenda driven bile on Off the Boil on Sunday, it has all been brought out into the open.
We see them for what they are: bigots and either racists or apologists for racists.
Incidentally, has Herman Munster and the rest of the faint hearts been discharged from intensive care yet?
While a great deal will continue to be made about the pitch invasion – and I am totally against pitch invasions for the avoidance of doubt – the untimely passing of rugby great Scott Hastings yesterday did result in footage being screened which reminded me of the significantly larger pitch invasion at Murrayfield after Scotland beat England to win the Grand Slam in 1990. If memory serves correctly the England players weren’t at all happy about it. But it seems some pitch invasions are perfectly acceptable while others are abhorrent…..
I was born in the 1940’s, and have spent my whole life in the West of Scotland…What you’ve pointed out James, is nothing new, and is now water off a duck’s back to me…When a football club is allowed to have a No Catholics policy for 100 years without challenge…that tells you all you need to know about how things stand in this wee bigoted backwater of a country…We will never be welcome or accepted in full…so my advice is.. Ignore the bastards. ..Don’t give Keevins et al, the time of day…Keep winning trophies.. Oh. And tell the arseholes in our support…to stay off the grass.
I have hoped for for some years now that the majority of Scots had got over their inbuilt anti Catholic and anti Irish bigotry, I’m afraid the past couple of weeks has made me doubt this.
The comments pages, the print and broadcasting media and even Police Scotland have all piled in and shown double standards and in some cases pure hatred towards Celtic FC and its supporters.
For a lot of Scottish people, in the sporting World Celtic FC represents the descendents of the Irish Catholic immigrants to Scotland in the 19th and 20th century.
The hysteria stoked up on the media by people who should know better, but don’t, has played right into the hands of the bigoted and racist undercurrent that has always been there in Scotland.
Our politicians have tried to ignore it rather than confront it, but in their defence the odd politician who has raised his head above the parapet such as the ex SNP MSP James Dornan have suffered all kinds of abuse.
With the media we have in Scotland, who continually take the line that the bigotry and racism against the minority population of Irish/Scots, or Catholics, only exists in certain small pockets of Scotland, then nothing will change.
Spot on James – other than its our 14th title in 15season not 15th in 16 – unless you’re already predicting next year’s is in the bag 😉
Hearts will struggle to finish 3rd next season albeit I do genuinely wish them luck in the CL qualifiers as its good for all Scottish teams to be in the highest level of Europe possible (albeit they have no chance given the teams they’ll face over 3 qualifying rounds).
I get the general sentiment from Scottish fans wanting Hearts to beat us to the title (other than Hibs wanting us to win) in the same way had the Ibrox club been the ones going for the title vs Hearts everyone would still have been wanting Hearts to win (again other than Hibs fans) BUT the vitriol and commentary over the week leading up to the game has been insane and the nonsense spouted (to quote McInnes) DISGUSTING.
I feel for genuine ordinary Hearts fans as watching your team lose the league on the last day when its in your hands is horrible (we’ve been there before!) BUT I have absolutely no sympathy for the club, McInnes, their players or the media – their behaviour, statements and tactics were pathetic and shocking – they got what they deserved – NOTHING. GIRFUY hahaha.
Let them scream and let them cry.
Our board needs to grow a set and ban certain reporters and media commentators who attack our club.
Tell sky and the rest of them that certain bigots will not be allowed in the stadium.
They can demand entry,but it’s our paradise and no snakes are welcome.
I don’t think much will change until we make it happen.
Stand tall Celtic an start to take the fight to the bigots.
Looking at it from a different angle the pitch invasion robbed us of a chance in sharing the joy of the final whistle and the despair of Hearts players,fans and that bigot McInnes.But this narrative of hearts players fearing for their lives is a nonsense.They were in the safety of the dressing room,the fans back in the stand with heightened security.
They could have came back out achnowledged their fans however they saw fit,this is just a smokescreen for them to play the victim and fool the easily led into thinking Celtic couldn’t guarantee their safety at that point, absolutele rubbish
The Faint Hearts ran away.
A very true article James and some good posts to go with it…
Aye – If we didn’t know we were hated before we’ve certainly known it this last week for sure…
Oh hey – It’ll all be swept under the guise of “Big bad Celtic destroyed the fairytale of Hearts”
But we all know it’s very fuckin sinister and very different for sure !
I’ve never seen a meltdown towards us winning the league like we’ve witnessed in the past few dsays. From McInnes ‘disgusting” comment to all the whining about the pitch invasion and spurious talk of tainted title etc. The Hearts statement yesterday was pathetic and lacking in grace or class.
When Wilfried was relieved of his duties I would have thought a title win was most unlikely. O’Neill showed great humility to comeback a second time in one season to guide us to the promised land. We’ve won the league without the services of our best centre back and arguably most exciting attacker. We’ve also played poorly for most of the season relying on moments of quality from individuals.
The playing staff has been on a downward trajectory quality wise since Ange left yet we keep winning titles. If O’Neill hadn’t been pushed to the side for Nancy chances are we win the league comfortably and most likely the league cup too. The Hearts story made for good copy but it must be remembered we won our last 7 league games in a row which is remarkable form given how patch our play has been this season.
The emergence of the video of McInnes signing the Billy Boys is a timely reminder of the hatred in Scotland towards Irish and Catholics. Our every success is a kick in the balls for those who cling to their bigotry as a comfort blanket of superiority. The one consolation of Hearts finishing second is the Rangers coming third despite their lavish outlay.
This title is possibly the most satisfying this century given the rollercoaster season we’ve had. We have succeeded despite of not because of the board. O’Neill has embellished his reputation as a titan of the club alonside Stein, McNeill and Jansen. It has been a fairytale return for the manager and he deserves all the accolades he gets and then some. Hail hail.
Amidst the turmoil at Celtic Park all season, they could see no possible way that we’d win the title this year. They worked themselves into a frenzy, believing that this would finally be their year and with the added cushion that, if the worst came to the worst and they didn’t win it, then for sure their cousins in Edinburgh would. They were salivating all season at the thought and their hatred and glee was simmering nicely. The sheer excitement was building for so long… until we came back. Even then, they refused to entertain for a second the possibility that we’d get over the line and be crowned ‘Champions’… until we were.
Saturday has sent them off the scale, shocked beyond belief, traumatised, round the bend… all in all… bat sh*t crazy!!!
… and It’s a joy to behold!
I dont do the usual social media so when was the video on mcinnes made and leaked of him singing? Was it a recent or historic one. Not that it matters but just good to know.
Frankiebhoy – I do agree with you but id also like to see us move on to bigger and better things and let the huns fester in their own filth
We WERE on our knees…we WERE almost dead in the water…we WERE seriously weakened…and they couldn’t take advantage of it. They detest themselves for it.
“We do not see things as they are,we see them as WE are”