Chelsea hero defends Celtic fans vs Atletico Madrid

It is safe to say that the trip to the Metropolitano Stadium did not go as most Celtic fans would have been hoping for. After conceding five goals against Real Madrid last season, the hope was that this trip to the Spanish capital would be a happier one and some were even optimistic that getting a result was possible after the 2-2 draw at Parkhead.

Instead, Celtic conceded six unanswered goals against Atletico Madrid. The result pretty much ended their hopes of making it to the Champions League knockout phase. Even third place feels out of reach.

Celtic had looked to be in the game against Atletico Madrid, even though they were a goal down. But then, Daizen Maeda got sent off in what was a very soft red card. The Hoops tried to hold on but Alvaro Morata’s strike just before halftime pretty much settled the game. Brendan Rodgers’ side conceded four more in the second half.

Many Celtic fans decided to leave the game early. And their actions have been defended by Chelsea hero, Pat Nevin.

Chelsea hero defends Celtic fans vs Atletico Madrid

As reported by the Daily Record, Nevin said while speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live:

"“You know what? With the pain of a 6-0 defeat, for a team that isn’t used to losing domestically, that is tough to take…so I do understand why some have left.”"

It is rare for Celtic fans to leave a game early, no matter what the result. But perhaps conceding six and being a man down against Atletico Madrid was just a bit too much for some to take. Especially since a lot of people felt that the red card should not have been given in the first place and that changed the match completely.

There is nothing Celtic can do than go back to the drawing board now. A lot of fans feared that this is what would happen in the Champions League as a result of not strengthening adequately in the summer. Unfortunately, their fears have come true.