‘I’m afraid’ – Keith Wyness rips into Celtic and Rangers after crushing Scottish blow
Celtic and Rangers need to take the blame for Scottish football losing a place in next season’s Champions League.
That is according to ex-Aberdeen, Aston Villa, and Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, whilst fourth place in the Scottish Premiership now also gets no chance of European qualification.
Both Celtic and Rangers failed to qualify for this season’s Champions League, and the pair have been unable to reach the round of 16 in the Europa League.
Rangers only won one game in the Europa League this season, whilst Celtic were knocked out of the competition following a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Stuttgart.
💰 Rangers Finance Update 💰
Inside the transfer budget, player wages, new kits, stadium news, and the latest boardroom developments at Ibrox.
VISIT THE RANGERS FINANCE HUBKeith Wyness takes swipe at Old Firm for Champions League blow
Aberdeen’s former chief Keith Wyness – who served as CEO at Pittodrie between 2000 and 2004, had lengthy spells as the chief of Everton and Aston Villa and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – states that there have been “years of poor European performances” from Celtic and Rangers.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast, Wyness thinks one fewer Champions League place will “affect Scottish football in general.”
He told Football Insider‘s Inside Track podcast: “What can I say, it’s just after years of poor European performances and being knocked out early and that’s what the coefficient is all about.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Celtic Insider Access
Get the full story from Celtic Park and Lennoxtown with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Glasgow.
“And I’m afraid that the Old Firm have got a lot to answer for that because they’ve led the charge, and they haven’t really done it well.
“So I’ll put some blame on them for that situation because that’s been their golden egg for a long time, and now it’s disappeared, and it’s going to affect Scottish football in general.”
Danny Rohl takes aim at Luke McCowan before derby day
Ahead of their clash in the Scottish Premiership next, Rangers boss Danny Rohl has responded to Luke McCowan’s claim that “no team in that league touches Celtic” when they’re on form.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the game at Ibrox, Rohl stated that Celtic are behind the Gers in the table, and have lost seven league games this season.
It will be Rohl’s third derby fixture, having lost to Martin O’Neill’s Celtic in the Scottish League Cup semi-final, before beating a Wilfried Nancy-led side in the league at the start of the year.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Rangers Insider Access
Get the full story from Ibrox and Auchenhowie with our dedicated expert hubs:
Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Govan.