FRANK McGARVEY has labelled Celtic’s shambolic nosedive into the history books as a complete embarrassment.
The former Hoops striker didn’t hold back as he had his say following the resounding 1-0 flop against Gibraltar’s Lincoln Red Imps at the 2,000 capacity Victoria Stadium last night in the first leg of the Champions League qualifier.
It was the sort of debut result that must have been unthinkable for Brendan Rodgers and the five-in-a-row champions.
McGarvey said: “This is a seismic shock. It is the WORST result in the history of Celtic Football Club, bar none – and the biggest wake-up call ever.
“Celtic have spent tens of millions of pounds in assembling that squad and they can’t even score a goal against what must surely be one of the worst teams to have played in the Champions League.
“There can be no excuses. There can be no talking about the state of the park, no talking about it being the first competitive game of the season.
“Celtic have just been beaten by taxi drivers, guys who put a shift in at their work, went home for a wee sleep and went out to play the game. This is the lowest of the low.
“It doesn’t get bigger than this in terms of embarrassment.
“Brendan Rodgers should not take the blame. He is working with what he inherited.
“Celtic fans want to see their side back in the Champions League after recent failures. If they’d been playing anyone other than Lincoln Red Imps, the chances are the tie would be over by now. Celtic can go no lower than this.
“On the evidence of what I have just watched, that is the worst Celtic team I have ever seen.”
A seething McGarvey continued: “The scouting system is appalling. It is a joke. How many forwards, alone, have come and gone at the club?
“It says something when you are turning to Nadir Ciftci to get you out of trouble in Gibraltar.
“It is not just about throwing money at the project. It is how that money is spent.
“In my opinion, only Leigh Griffiths and young Kieran Tierney are good enough to pull on a Celtic strip going forward.”
Blundering Efe Ambrose, at fault for the only goal by local policeman Lee Casciaro, was also slammed by McGarvey.
He added: “I can’t believe Ambrose is still playing for Celtic in defence. I would guess every single other Celtic player would tell you he shouldn’t be anywhere near the team.
“How many times does a guy have to cost you before you replace him?
“I watched the game with Celtic fans and it’s the most embarrassed I can remember seeing them in my whole life – and I am 60 years of age.”
