‘I Heard There Was a Half-Time Argument’ – Exclusive: Pundit drops Celtic bust-up claim
Celtic manager Neil Lennon insisted ‘tactical reasons’ were behind Leigh Griffiths’ omission against Kilmarnock – but Frank McAvennie claimed a bust-up was the real reason.
The Parkhead legend, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said a half-time argument in last weekend’s 2-1 loss against St Mirren may be the real reason behind the decision.
Griffiths watched on from the bench as the Hoops returned to winning ways with a 4-0 victory at Kilmarnock on Tuesday night.
It was the first time since 13 December that the striker had not featured when available – he also missed fixtures against Hibernian and Livingston but he was self-isolating.
His 14 appearances in all competitions this season have yielded six goals and two assists.
When asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on Griffiths’ omission at Rugby Park, McAvennie, who lives in Glasgow and has strong connections to his former club, said: “It is a strange one, what has happened to Griff.
“He is out of the team again and I do not know why. I do not get it because he is the best finisher at the club.
“I heard there was an argument at half-time (v St Mirren). But it does not matter if you like the guy, I am a great believer in that. Manager and player do not have to get on, it is about playing the best players. Managers have to swallow their pride.
“The nonsense earlier in the season about him not being fit made no sense whatsoever.”
Speaking on Griffiths after the win, Lennon said: “I wasn’t happy with the strikers at the weekend, it’s purely tactical.”
The Hoops are back in action this weekend, they welcome Motherwell to Celtic Park on Saturday.
In other news, Frank Lampard could do to Celtic revenues what Steven Gerrard has done to Rangers, according to a finance expert.