Exclusive: Celtic fan faces ’lifetime ban’ after incident involving Wilfried Nancy vs Dundee United
Wilfried Nancy appeared to have something thrown at him in the aftermath of Celtic’s defeat to Dundee United on Wednesday.
Celtic were beaten 2-1 by Dundee United, with a quick-fire double in the second half condemning Nancy‘s team to a fourth consecutive loss.
The Frenchman was only named head coach just two weeks ago, but already faces calls to be sacked with increasing intensity.
Nancy’s social media account was discovered on Tuesday, in a moment that prompted further embarrassment for the 48-year-old.
It has been suggested that the Celtic players and the board must share responsibility for the recent form, but the blame will ultimately fall at the head coach’s door.
Police ‘must investigate’ alleged Celtic fan incident
There was already anger towards Nancy in the aftermath of Celtic’s 3-1 defeat to St. Mirren in Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final, but Wednesday’s loss saw tensions spill over.
The Bhoys dominated the first half, taking the lead through Daizen Maeda but missing countless chances to extend their advantage.
In a chaotic five minutes in the second half, however, Celtic fell behind to goals from Krisztian Keresztes and Zachary Sapsford.
Nancy’s team had chances to equalise – Shin Yamada missed two great chances and Maeda inexplicably headed onto the post from just a yard out – but the visitors left empty-handed.
As Nancy walked to the dressing room under the away end, an object appeared to be thrown by the Celtic fans, landing behind the Frenchman.
Ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that any fan found to have been the culprit could face a lifetime ban.
“There really is no sense when fans resort to throwing an object inside a football stadium,” Hackett said.
“It puts at risk a fellow fan and any player or official in the landing area of the thrown object. Football clubs and the police must investigate every incident with the task of searching out the person who decided in frustration to throw something.
“The threat of a lifetime ban from any football ground must be the minimum punishment.”
Wilfried Nancy has already lost ‘connection’ with the fans
Much of the anger in the stands has been directed towards the board in recent weeks, but Celtic fans made their feelings on Nancy clear on Wednesday, too.
The Frenchman was booed at the final whistle and was the subject of an expletive-filled chant demanding his exit during the game.
“I can understand,” he said after the final whistle. “I am a human being and disappointed and the connection with the fans is important for me. But we had clear chances and we have to work on certain things.”
It is difficult to see Nancy receiving a positive reception at Celtic Park on Sunday, but he will know that even just one victory could start to turn a toxic situation around.