CELTIC toppled to defeat against Motherwell in the east end of Glasgow for the first time in seven years after an utterly appalling performance in front of their own fans at Parkhead.
The Hoops are now a solitary point ahead of Aberdeen although they have a game in hand against Hearts at Tynecastle next week.
Ex-Celt Mark McGhee saw his Dons team hammered 9-0 the last time he was at Parkhead, but there was never any chance of a repeat scoreline on this awful display. To be fair, the Fir Parkers worked hard for their three points.
In the 20th minute, the SPFL champions had the ball in the net, but it was ruled out for offside. Nir Bitton had a 25-yard half-volley pushed out by keeper Conor Ripley. The ball dropped to who thumped home the rebound, but the linesman was quick to raise his flag.
The visitors almost scored the opener just after the half-hour mark when Joze Simunovic managed to clear a shot from former Celtic striker Scott McDonald off the line after some good work by Marvin Johnson on the wing.
Seven minutes later, Ciftci pulled his shot across goal after being set up by Kris Commons pass, but the first-half passed without a goal.
Celtic were quicker on the ball after the break and James Forrest forced a good save from Ripley after a Common corner-kick.
Well missed a sitter in the the 47th minute. Kieran Tierney was beaten by the pace of Lionel Ainsworth, but the attacker chipped the ball too high and it carried over the crossbar.
Within sixty seconds Deila’s men were ahead. A good passing move began with Tierney who knocked the ball to Forrest who played in Bitton who moved the ball to Tom Rogic. He set up the Israeli midfielder whose shot found the net via a deflection.
However, Motherwell were back on level terms on 52 minutes. Another good run and cross from Johnson on the left confused the defence who allowed Louis Moult to slam home from a few yards out.
It got worse for the Hoops when the visitors netted a second before the hour. McDonald was too quick for Simunovic who tripped the frontman just inside the box. A penalty was given and Moult sent his shot down the middle as Craig Gordon dived to his left.
Dedryck Boyata almost gifted Motherwell a third when he tripped over the ball, but McDonald’s shot was saved and then Moult’s effort was too high.
Celtic began the day unveiling a statue to club legend Billy McNeill. Unfortunately, the players then performed with the mobility of statues on a day to forget.
TEAM: Gordon; Lustig, Boyata, Simunovic, Tierney; Bitton, McGregor; Forrest (sub: Allan 67), Commons, Rogic (sub: Cole 74): Ciftci.
