It would be an understatement to say that Celtic failed to meet the fans' expectations in the summer transfer window. Not only was the lack of ambition disappointing but that of urgency as well. The Hoops did not bring in a winger to replace Nicolas Kuhn before their UEFA Champions League qualifier against Kairat Almaty, even though it had been several weeks since the German had left for Como FC.
The result was as expected, as Celtic looked devoid of ideas in the two legs against Kairat, failing to score in over 210 minutes of action. Ultimately, they were eliminated on spot kicks, once again unsuccessful in making the Champions League when they had to go through the qualification process.
That result meant that Celtic are now going to be playing Europa League. And while Michel-Ange Balikwisha and Sebastian Tounekti were eventually signed, it was after being eliminated by Kairat.
As for the Europa League campaign, there does not seem to be a ton of interest amongst the fanbase, who seem to be wanting changes to the football model over anything else at this moment. This is pretty evident from the number of announcements that the club have had to make regarding tickets for those games in question.
Celtic must be realising their mistake as official announcement made
Celtic made another announcement this morning. Single match tickets for all four UEFA Europa League home games are on sale to Season Ticket holders now.
The Hoops will be taking on SC Braga, Sturm Graz, AS Roma and FC Utrecht in the first round of the Europa League. But the fan interest seems to be even lower than expected.
One fan wrote: "Be interesting to see what the crowds will be for this……can’t see it being great…….you reap what you sow Celtic."
That certainly looks to be the case. You cannot take a fanbase's support for granted. And Celtic might be starting to realise that.