Celtic have failed to qualify for the Champions League after a 2-1 loss against AEK Athens F.C. in the third round of qualifying knocked them out of the competition.
The Greek side progressed on an aggregate score of 3-2 to compound an already frustrating couple of weeks for Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers.
The Scottish champions suffered the worst possible start when Rodrigo Galo scored inside the first five minutes. Croatian forward Marko Livaja made it 2-0 just after half-time.
Despite a late Scott Sinclair goal Celtic failed to recover the tie and thus will not compete amongst Europe's elite this season.
The result comes amidst a certain amount of turmoil for Rodgers. The Dedryck Boyata situation continues to hang over the club as the Belgium international is reportedly trying to manufacture a move away from Glasgow. Rodgers' relationship with the board has been called into question due to the lack of signings over the summer. Last week, Rodgers warned the board that the club can't afford to stagnate: "It's too late once the rot sets in. It's too late."
Celtic also suffered a 1-0 loss against Hearts last weekend in the Scottish Premier League.
Writing in his Evening Times column, former Celtic captain John Hartson admitted there are issues at the club but denied it was a crisis.
As for his (Rodgers) outburst about the lack of transfers, it wasn’t like him to speak this way and clearly he’s a frustrated man. I get that. I don’t get the Celtic board not properly backing a man who has delivered them so much.
The result means Celtic quest to compete in the Champions League group stage for the third year running is over, although they still have an opportunity for European football with the Europa League.
