The official Bundesliga website has issued a statement clarifying its position on Celtic after facing backlash for perceived disrespectful comments about the Scottish club. The controversy arose following Bayern Munich’s recent Champions League clash with Celtic, during which the German side secured a dominant victory.
An article on the Bundesliga site appeared to downplay Celtic’s quality, labeling the team as lacking competitiveness at the highest level. These remarks sparked outrage among Celtic fans and even drew criticism from neutral football supporters who felt the comments were dismissive and unfair.
Following the backlash, the Bundesliga site walked back its remarks, stating, “We hold Celtic in the highest regard as a historic club with a passionate fanbase and a rich footballing tradition. Any suggestion otherwise was unintentional.” The statement emphasized the club’s contribution to European football and praised the resilience and commitment shown by the players during their encounter with Bayern.
Celtic fans, while appreciative of the apology, remained vocal on social media, highlighting their team’s illustrious history, including their 1967 European Cup triumph. Some supporters felt the damage had already been done, while others called for greater respect for clubs outside Europe’s top leagues.
The incident has reignited broader discussions about how clubs from smaller leagues are perceived in modern football, where financial disparities often lead to underestimation of their achievements and potential.
Despite the controversy, Celtic has pledged to continue their campaign with determination, using the criticism as motivation for upcoming fixtures. The team will look to prove their doubters wrong and further cement their place among Europe’s footballing elite.
