Ewan Murray blasts ‘laughing stock’ after Rangers and Celtic developments this week
Rangers and Celtic will continue to be considered a “laughing stock” until Scottish football chiefs implement structural change, according to journalist Ewan Murray.
The Gers were held 1-1 by Aris Limassol in the Europa League on Thursday (30 November), two days on from Celtic’s 2-0 loss at the hands of Lazio in the Champions League.
Celtic have gone 15 games without a win in UEFA’s showpiece competition, which Rangers failed to qualify for following defeat to PSV in the play-offs.
When also factoring in Aberdeen’s five games without a win in the Europa Conference League this term, The Guardian’s Murray believes something needs to change.
“Rangers take 1 point from 6 against Cypriots,” he posted on his personal Twitter page [30 November]. “Aberdeen 2 from 6 against Finns. Celtic’s ongoing Champions League status…
“Until those in charge of clubs and Scottish football wake up and implement huge structural change, this wider laughing stock/irrelevance will continue.”
Competitive in Europa
Rangers fans took great delight in Celtic’s annual early exit from the Champions League – and indeed from Europe entirely as they will finish bottom of their group.
However, the Gers were then brought back down the earth with the disappointing display against Aris, which means progression in the Europa League remains in the balance.
If nothing else, Philippe Clement’s side will definitely compete in Europe post-Christmas, even if it is in the Conference League.
A number of statistics are doing the rounds regarding how Scottish sides have fared in Europe, although it must be remembered Rangers reached the Europa final last year.
Granted, they then followed that up with the worst-ever performance of any side in the Champions League group stage last time out.
Ultimately, the only way Rangers and Celtic will do better is by investing more money into the squad in the short term, and bringing through homegrown gems in the longer term.
For now, the Light Blues remain a more-than-competitive team in the Europa League. Whether or not that will be the case in the Champions League, we’ll hopefully find out next season.
In other Rangers news, the Gers could reportedly force Brendan Rodgers out of Celtic if a certain development happens this season.