Celtic fans had two targets for their anger after being labelled anti-Semitic by a number of Scottish publishers.
Israeli international boss Alon Hazan is credited with the comment while discussing Liel Abada although the translation from Hebrew to English may have involved some creative thinking.
The comments instantly went viral with some Celtic fan media outlets contacting the club looking for a response of equal prominence, later on Thursday they were each given a denial from an un-named Celtic spokesman.
Tellingly the message didn’t appear on the Celtic website or on any of the club’s social media platforms.
In football terms Celtic’s comment was the equivalent of a consolation goal in a 5-1 defeat, virtually useless but a crumb of comfort for some.
A robust response from Celtic was unlikely, keeping fans onside enough to sell out Season Tickets and maximise commercial income is about the extent of the one-way relationship with supporters/customers.
On a number of issues fans have grown used to disappointment from the club whether it is on not taking tickets for Ibrox, governance issues in the Scottish game or treatment of fans attending matches.
Brendan Rodgers is likely to be hit with a wide variety of non-footballing questions at his media conferences today.
The Irishman is well versed on the agendas being followed and will no doubt handle them with ease as he concentrates on a football match tomorrow in Dingwall.
[Celtic] “their fans, who are known to be anti-semitic”
Awaiting a serious statement from @CelticFC on this. That’s absolutely outrageous. https://t.co/TKCWFQ8SjK
— Rachel Lynch (@Rachel_Lynchx) November 2, 2023
I wouldn’t get too fired up about it. It appears that anyone who doesn’t wholeheartedly support Israel in everything they do is automatically “antisemitic” in the eyes of some. Not just in Israel, but here in UK too
— Eric McBride (@EricMcBride4) November 2, 2023
Not a chance the board will get within 100 miles of this. It’s only the peasants who pay their wages being slurred not the club directly
— Mick 🍀 (@micksa_7) November 2, 2023
They Celtic board won’t challenge anything, They are far to sacred, don’t want to upset anyone. We need a Fergus type person at Celtic, he took shit from No one.
— Anthony Sheridan Neil ll (@AnthonyNumamoid) November 2, 2023
You will wait Forever Rachel on our Board opening their mouths and sticking up for us fans sadly !
— D Mcguire (@DMcGCfc1888) November 2, 2023
On behalf of shareholders the legal representatives of the PLC must take action to preserve the brand’s non discriminatory status.
— International Ploughbhoy. (@davidkerr1970) November 2, 2023
Israel manager brands Celtic fans ‘anti-semitic’ in explosive interviewhttps://t.co/bo8dCn1QKJhttps://t.co/bo8dCn1QKJ
— Scottish Sun Sport (@scotsunsport) November 2, 2023
That’s actually offensive @CelticFC
— Tom (@ree_law) November 2, 2023
Of course he does, looks like Celtic fans are getting the Corbyn treatment if you don’t agree with genocide your anti semetic
— cookydooky (@DukeTerence) November 2, 2023
He should pay more attention. pic.twitter.com/L61TA9bWRG
— Mark (@Duffy14Mark) November 2, 2023
Celtic fans again. pic.twitter.com/jPgCQDWB9B
— Mark (@Duffy14Mark) November 2, 2023
