Celtic Fans Paid the Price in Lisbon – But Where Was Dermot Desmond When It Mattered?

There is something profoundly wrong at Celtic when the supporters continue to demonstrate extraordinary commitment while those entrusted with the club’s future face so little meaningful accountability.

Last night’s 4-1 humiliation against Benfica was another painful reminder of how far Celtic have fallen on the European stage.

But beyond the defensive mistakes, questionable selections and familiar excuses, there is a much bigger issue.

The people paying the price are the supporters.

Celtic Supporters Deserved Far Better in Lisbon

Consider what it takes to follow Celtic across Europe.

Flights, accommodation, time away from work and money that many families can scarcely afford to spare.

The Benfica allocation alone was 3,405 tickets, priced at £30 each before booking fees.

Yet thousands of supporters were prepared to make those sacrifices because Celtic means considerably more to them than a football result.

And what did they witness?

Three goals conceded before half-time. Another European contest effectively finished before Celtic had established themselves.

There was an improvement after the interval, certainly. But should we really be celebrating a respectable second half when the damage was already done?

Dermot Desmond Cannot Escape Responsibility

I am tired of watching Celtic managers and players shoulder the public consequences of failures that extend far beyond the dressing room.

Martin O’Neill must answer questions about his selection. The players must accept responsibility for their performances.

But what about Dermot Desmond?

What about the people responsible for recruitment, investment priorities and the long-term football strategy?

These are not isolated concerns. Celtic’s repeated European disappointments demand scrutiny of the decisions made at the very top.

Supporters are entitled to ask why a club with Celtic’s resources, commercial strength and extraordinary backing continues to look so vulnerable against serious European opposition.

That is not entitlement.

That is accountability.

Celtic’s Greatest Asset Is Being Taken for Granted

There is something deeply uncomfortable about the contrast between the sacrifices demanded of supporters and the apparent distance between Celtic’s leadership and its fanbase.

Celtic supporters are encouraged to renew season tickets, purchase merchandise and follow the club across the continent.

Yet when they question the direction of the club, too often the conversation turns towards their behaviour rather than the substance of their grievances.

I do not defend intimidation or threatening conduct. Peaceful criticism, however, is not disloyalty.

Indeed, demanding better from Celtic is one of the clearest expressions of loyalty imaginable.

The Question Dermot Desmond Must Answer

Nobody expects Celtic to defeat every wealthy European opponent.

Benfica possess formidable quality. Losing to them is not, in itself, a disgrace.

But surrendering three goals in the opening half, looking overwhelmed and leaving supporters confronting another European failure should never become acceptable.

The Lisbon faithful did their part.

They travelled. They paid. They supported.

Now it is time for those running Celtic to demonstrate the same level of commitment to making this club competitive.

Dermot Desmond does not have to answer every criticism personally.

But he cannot reasonably expect the manager to carry the burden of explaining a football strategy shaped above his head.

Celtic supporters have paid enough.

When will the people making the decisions finally be held accountable?