Celtic fans' petition against Ronny Deila is 'rubbish' says Neil McCann
Wednesday 23 December 2015 11:53, UK
Sky Sports pundit Neil McCann says Celtic fans are wasting their time launching a petition to have manager Ronny Deila removed.
A small section of supporters took to social media to voice their displeasure after the 2-1 home defeat by Motherwell left the Hoops just one point clear at the top of the table, with a game in hand.
The vast majority of fans have distanced themselves from the online petition and McCann, who played for Rangers between 1998-2003, says there are better ways of making your feelings known.
Speaking to Sky Sports Now, he said: "I think the petition is a lot of rubbish. If Celtic fans have a problem with their manager then they can vote with their feet and not turn up.
"To be honest I have seen a quite sparse Celtic Park in a lot of football this season. I don't think Celtic fans are over-excited about how they are playing but the board will make the decision if they feel Ronny Deila is not the man to carry on in the job.
"I don't like to see any manager lose his job, but Celtic are under a bit of pressure. It is only a point gap at the top of the table although they have a game in hand, and of course losing at home to Motherwell was a big blow to them.
"It increases the pressure on the manager, but I think petitions are a waste of time and if Celtic fans are as good as they say they are - and I believe Celtic fans are a fantastic bunch - then they should get behind their team and their manager."
Celtic travel to third-placed Hearts this weekend, live on Sky Sports, and McCann, who played for the Edinburgh side for two years prior to joining Rangers, believes Robbie Neilson's side could not face the champions at a better time.
"One hundred per cent this is a good time to play them," he said. "There will be a fantastic atmosphere here at Tynecastle and Hearts fans will come in their droves and try and increase the pressure on Celtic.
"I feel Celtic are vulnerable when you have a go at them. Motherwell were aggressive after going a goal down and rocked them and I think if you have a go at them, and are brave enough, then I think there is a result there to be had."