Celtic’s Nir Bitton downbeat about Europa chances

Celtic's Nir Bitton is shown a red card by referee Slavko Vincic. Picture: Bill Murray/SNS

The defeat by Molde on Thursday night means the Scottish champions must beat Ajax and Fenerbahce to qualify for the last 32.

Bitton, sent off in the second half against Molde to leave him suspended for the visit of Ajax along with fellow midfielder Stefan Johansen, is downbeat.

The Israel international claimed Celtic were once again punished for repeating mistakes on the European stage.

“I think we make a lot of mistakes, we make the same mistakes every game in Europe,” he said.

“Teams who play us create too many chances against us. When you play in the Scottish league sometimes you don’t get punished for that but you get punished in Europe. It is disappointing.

“When you lose two games against Molde, with all due respect, you can’t think of winning against Ajax and Fenerbahce.

“But if we have the smallest chance to go through we will try do everything we can.

“You never know what can happen in football and we will see.”

Celtic play Ajax at home on 26 November and Fenerbahce in Istanbul on 10 December.