Chris Sutton Unleashed! Celtic Told to ‘NEVER PLAY AGAIN’ After Horror Show vs Benfica

Hoops legend wasn’t surprised in the slightest by their Europa League defeat to Benfica

Former Hoops striker Chris Sutton issued a damning verdict on Celtic’s performance in their 4-1 defeat to Benfica in the Europa League.

After two games, the Scottish champions sit 34th of 36 in the league phase table. The heavy loss at the Estadio da Luz on Thursday night has cast more doubt on Martin O’Neill’s side’s credentials at this level. A Jhon Duran brace, Alexander Bah strike and Vangelis Pavlidis finisher put the nails in Celtic’s coffin.

Celtic’s Duran, Camilo, got a goal back in the second half – and the Hoops did enjoy a spell just after the break. But by then, it was too little, too late. While the match was arguably Celtic’s toughest in the league phase on paper, it still highlighted their issues and inexperience on the continent. Along with previous defeats to LASK Linz in their Champions League qualifier and Ferencvaros in their opener, they’ve now conceded 12 goals in their three games in Europe.

Hoops lost 4-1 at the Estadio da Luz.placeholder image

Hoops lost 4-1 at the Estadio da Luz. | AFP via Getty Images

Sutton issues damning Celtic 15-word verdict after Benfica defeat

Sutton has had his doubts over Celtic in Europe since before their defeat to LASK. He wasn’t surprised at the result in Portugal. Via X, the pundit said: “That feeling of apathy once again tonight. Nobody surprised by the outcome. Flat track bullies.”

Next up for Celtic domestically is Hearts at home on Sunday in a repeat of the fixture which won them the league last season. After that, they host Spanish side Celta Vigo as they return to European action for another difficult fixture.

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Manager was happy with second half display. | Getty Images

What did Martin O’Neill say after the Benfica defeat?

The Celtic boss praised his side for a better second half display but also conceded the damage was already done at that stage. Jhon Duran’s opener came in the third minute from the penalty spot, giving them a mountain to climb from the get-go. O’Neill told TNT Sports: “Last thing you want to do is concede so early on. We could’ve capitulated, but I thought the second-half performance was terrific.

“We created chance after chance. The second-half performance gives me the determination… I think we can still qualify. We can still do it. We came roaring back. We could’ve scored a number of goals. I accept on the break they could have scored themselves, as they did with their fourth goal.”