Chris Sutton has criticised Celtic's tactics, set-up, and substitutions in their Champions League defeat to LASK.
The former striker, while expressing respect for manager Martin O'Neill, believes he must take some responsibility for the loss.
Sutton said: "There’s no doubt some of the tactics, the set-up, and substitutions can only be described as odd." [Daily Record]
O'Neill acknowledged his part in the defeat, but Sutton doesn't believe the blame lies solely with him. "The manager doesn’t dodge the blame," Sutton said. "Everyone knows my respect for Martin O’Neill, and it was admirable the way he took the hit for what happened in Linz."
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However, he insisted: "He might have got it wrong the other night but he was also badly let down by the players."
Sutton highlighted comments made by Celtic captain Callum McGregor, who admitted the team looked "scared" to win the game. He added: "It was telling seeing Callum McGregor admitting the side looked 'scared' to go and win the game - that was more damning than anything any pundit could say.
"It’s the captain pretty much saying they bottled it."
He believes Celtic's failure to manage the game was clear in their tactical approach as LASK dominated. Sutton said: "There were huge problems on the pitch; the game plan went to pot, Celtic played into LASK’s hands, and there were alarming issues regarding their fitness.
"Giving up 40 shots was ridiculous."
