'Another shambles': Celtic fans react as familiar failing rears its head in Europa League

Things had been briefly looking up for Celtic in their Europa League encounter with Sparta Prague after Odsonne Edouard gave the visitors the lead with a terrific solo goal on the counter attack.

Ryan Christie battles for possession with Sparta's Michal Travnik. Picture: AP

However, the advantage was short-lived with a regular failing of Celtic, both at home and on the continent, rearing its ugly head again – their inability to defend set-pieces.

After Scott Brown was unable to win the ball in an aerial challenge, a mishit shot fell kindly for David Hancko, who was played onside by Callum McGregor slowly getting out from the six yard box. He was able to rifle past Scott Bain from close range.

As expected, supporters watching at home were far from pleased to see a glaring weakness of their side exposed yet again in such a ruthless manner.

@Malarkey_10 said: “McGregor’s late reaction by not stepping out played all of them onside.”

@marcusgrahamm queried: “How are we so unable to defend set pieces man it’s laughable.”

@DannyMcGonigle1 asked: “Who works on defending dead balls?? Another shambles.”

While @anton_white123 joked: “I can’t help but picture Lennons training sessions consist of 20 half laps of the pitch and a game of knock out headers and volleys as he sure as hell doesn’t do any coaching on how to defend set pieces.”

@Reckoner1888 then added: "Brown isn't the same player we all wish he was. Time to acknowledge that in team selections....”

And @RRumbles6 tweeted: “Brown has had about 6 opportunities to win the ball in this game & has won it only once. Continually missing tackles.”

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