CELTIC FANS TURN ON ‘UNTHINKABLE’ PLAYER DESPITE WIN OVER ABERDEEN AFTER SPOTTING MAJOR ISSUE

Celtic supporters are no strangers to emotional swings, but even by their own standards the reaction following the win over Aberdeen was startling. Victory should have meant celebration, relief and optimism, yet instead a wave of frustration rippled through the fanbase as attention turned toward a player few would ever have imagined being questioned so openly. The result itself did little to calm the noise, because while the scoreboard showed Celtic had done their job, many watching felt something far more troubling had been exposed beneath the surface.

The mood inside the stadium and across social media was conflicted almost from the final whistle. There was acknowledgement that three points had been secured and that in a season where margins can be painfully fine, any win must be valued. But as the dust settled, discussion quickly moved away from the positives and toward a recurring problem that supporters believe can no longer be ignored. At the centre of it all was a player who has long been seen as untouchable, someone whose contribution to Celtic’s recent success has earned admiration, loyalty and, until now, near-universal backing.

For many fans, turning on this individual felt “unthinkable.” This is a player who has delivered in big moments, worn responsibility with pride and often embodied the standards expected at Celtic Park. Yet football has a brutal way of stripping sentiment away, and the performance against Aberdeen proved to be a tipping point. Supporters were not questioning effort or commitment; rather, they were alarmed by what they perceived as a growing tactical and technical issue that could haunt the team if left unresolved.

The match itself followed a familiar pattern. Celtic dominated possession, pushed Aberdeen back for long spells and eventually found the breakthrough needed to secure the win. On paper it looked comfortable enough, but those watching closely sensed fragility. There were moments of hesitation, misplaced passes and defensive uncertainty that injected unnecessary tension into the contest. Each time Aberdeen pressed or transitioned quickly, anxiety spread through the stands, and much of that unease was directed toward the same area of the pitch.

Fans began pointing out that Celtic’s build-up play repeatedly stalled, with tempo slowing at crucial moments. What once appeared composed and controlled now looked predictable and laboured. The “major issue” supporters identified was not about a single mistake, but a pattern that has been creeping into performances over recent weeks. Against Aberdeen, it became impossible to overlook. Passes that should have broken lines went sideways. Decisions that once came instinctively were delayed. Opponents, fans argued, have started to anticipate this, setting traps and waiting for errors.

What made the reaction so intense was the identity of the player involved. This was not a fringe squad member or a recent signing still finding their feet. This was someone synonymous with Celtic’s identity, a player many believed could play their role indefinitely. For years, their presence brought reassurance. Now, some supporters feel that same presence is hindering the team’s evolution, preventing Celtic from playing with the speed and dynamism required at the highest level.

Social media quickly became a battleground. While some fans urged patience and perspective, others were unforgiving. Clips were shared, moments frozen and replayed as evidence of decline. Words like “liability” and “off the pace” began appearing alongside the player’s name, language that would have been dismissed as nonsense not so long ago. Even those reluctant to criticise admitted they could see what others were talking about, and that admission alone spoke volumes.

There is also a broader context fuelling the backlash. Celtic supporters are acutely aware of the standards demanded by domestic dominance and European ambition. Winning against Aberdeen is expected, but winning well, with authority and progress, is what fans crave. When performances stagnate, scrutiny intensifies. Supporters fear that complacency, whether from individuals or the system, could be punished later in the season when the stakes are higher and the margin for error slimmer.

Another layer to the criticism lies in the perception that alternatives exist. Fans are not just identifying a problem; they are asking why it persists. They see younger, more energetic options either on the bench or waiting for opportunities, and they question whether loyalty and reputation are outweighing form and function. This is where the sense of betrayal almost creeps in, not necessarily toward the player, but toward the decision-making that continues to place them at the heart of the team.

The manager’s role inevitably comes under the microscope too. Supporters respect the need for balance and experience, but they also want to see boldness. Against Aberdeen, some felt Celtic were crying out for change earlier in the game, a shift that never fully materialised. That hesitation reinforced the belief that the “major issue” is being tolerated rather than addressed. For fans who pride themselves on Celtic’s attacking philosophy and fearless approach, that is a bitter pill to swallow.

Despite the criticism, there remains a sense of sadness running through the debate. Many supporters do not want this chapter to end on sour terms. They remember the goals, the tackles, the leadership and the moments that made them sing this player’s name. The anger is born not just from frustration, but from fear of watching a hero fade without intervention. Some argue that a reduced role or tactical adjustment could prolong their influence and protect both the player and the team.

The win over Aberdeen, then, may be remembered less for the points gained and more for the conversation it sparked. It highlighted how quickly narratives can shift in football, especially at a club where expectations are relentless. One performance, when it confirms existing doubts, can change perception dramatically. For Celtic fans, the uncomfortable truth is that loyalty and sentiment cannot override what they see unfolding on the pitch.

As the season continues, this situation is unlikely to disappear quietly. Every subsequent performance will be analysed through the same lens, every misplaced pass or hesitant moment magnified. The player in question now carries a burden they have not known before, aware that a section of the support is watching with scepticism rather than trust. How they respond, and how the manager manages the situation, could prove pivotal.

Ultimately, Celtic did what they had to do against Aberdeen by securing the win, but football is rarely that simple. Victories can mask problems, but they can also expose them by removing excuses. For many supporters, the “major issue” they spotted is one that must be confronted head-on if Celtic are to move forward with confidence. Turning on an “unthinkable” player was never something fans wanted, but for a growing number, it feels like a necessary and overdue conversation, one sparked not by defeat, but by a win that left too many questions unanswered.