Jason Cundy is the latest pundit to pile on Celtic after their latest European defeat, but his response has been over the top and ridiculous.
There has been more outrage after Celtic lost 4-1 to Benfica on Thursday night and made it two defeats from as many games in their Europa League campaign. It was another poor performance, with Celtic going three down by half-time, unable to prevent Benfica's incisive balls into the box despite playing a low block.
Given the lack of success Celtic have had in Europe this season, losing their Europa League opener at home to Ferencvaros and also losing their Champions League qualifier to LASK, it's becoming a theme for Celtic to be hammered by pundits every time they lose in Europe.
Former Chelsea man Cundy became the latest when he said on TalkSPORT: "Celtic, I don’t know why they bother. You know when you were in the playground at school and you need 11 players? Scottish clubs are always the last to be picked when you need another body.
“And again, they have disgraced UK football. What’s the point? They were smashed by Benfica tonight and it’s the same old, same old story.”
Why this defeat is different and Cundy is talking nonsense
The lack of Celtic success in Europe may be alarming, but we have to separate games like this. Benfica were in the Champions League last season and beat Real Madrid. They went all of last season unbeaten in the league and have already beaten AC Milan away from home this season.
Criticism of Celtic not beating LASK or Ferencvaros is completely valid, but to suggest the Bhoys should have had a chance is Lisbon is silly.
It could be because Celtic are a big club, but there is a strange sense of unjustified optimism around them and games like this ,but it just doesn't add up.
Celtic don't have a squad that can compete with Benfica. They might have 25 years ago, but they do not now.
According to Transfermarkt, Benfica's squad is worth €422million compared to Celtic's squad value of €123.3million. Given the chasm between those values, quite frankly, 4-1 feels quite right, especially away from home.
Celtic's actual performance is another thing, but they did have chances in the second half.
In the Champions League the night before, Manchester City were 3-0 down to PSG at home by half-time and ultimately lost 4-2.
When that happens, it just gets put down to PSG being the best team in the world, and there isn't anywhere near the kind of gap between those teams as there is between Celtic and Benfica.
It doesn't add up. Criticise Celtic all you like for their European failures, but this game wasn't one of them.
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