Shaun deserves criticism but Macca is talking nonsense

Let’s be frank, Shaun Maloney deserves his fair share of the criticism, but once again Macca is talking absolute nonsense…

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill and assistant Shaun Maloney during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Former Celtic hero Frank McAvennie has let rip at Celtic coach Shaun Maloney in the wake of the 1-0 home defeat to the Rangers, as we entered the international break on a disappointing note following a depressing run of form over the past week.

On the Let Me Be Frank podcast, McAvennie pulled no punches as he hammered Shaun Maloney in a scathing manner following the second loss to the Rangers in a week.

“[When] Celtic are winning and wee Shaun Maloney is out jumping about the touchline,”McAvennie said.

5th September 2026; The Marbill Coaches Stadium, Paisley, Scottish Premiership St Mirren versus Celtic; Celtic manager Martin ONeill and Celtic assistant manager Shaun Maloney shout instructions to their players. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“Celtic are no winning, he never comes out. And Martin is facing it all himself. People say Martin doesn’t take coaching and other things, he has never done that. He never has done coaching.”

McAvennie also speculated that Martin O’Neill could be coming to the end of his time in charge of Celtic as he relayed a rumour he had heard about the manager.

The former Celtic striker said: “I’ve heard that he could be leaving tomorrow. Listen, it’s rumours.”

Like everyone else, Frank is absolutely entitled to his opinions, but he’s talking absolute nonsense on this occasion, in what’s nothing more than the ramblings of a former pro-seeking relevance and attention.

Martin O’Neill, Manager of Celtic looks on before during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Celtic FC and Ferencvarosi TC at Celtic Park on September 17, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Shaun Maloney much like Martin O’Neill deserves criticism for his part in our recent woes, but to single the former Scotland man out is both unfair and in my view, over the top.

Frank says that Shaun never comes out and faces the media in the face of defeat, but Martin is the Celtic manager, so isn’t that his job?

1988: Frank McAvennie of Celtic celebrates after the Scottish Cup Final match against Dundee United at Hampden. Celtic won the match 2-1. Photo Allsport UK /Allsport

Frank is a hero of many including myself due to his exploits in the iconic Centenary double winning side, but this is one of several statements he’s come up with these past few years that have questioned his relationship with the supporters who once upon a time worshiped him.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

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