Chris Sutton has described Celtic as “flat track bullies” after their Europa League defeat to Benfica.

It began to unravel after four minutes when Dane Murray conceded a penalty, and Jhon Durán converted with a panenka. Celtic fans watching on could only sigh, a story that they’ve seen a million times before.

By halftime, the hosts led 3-0, and Martin O’Neill made changes, bringing on Callum Osmand and Haissem Hassan for Sebastien Tounekti and Kasper Hogh. Hassan’s cross found Camilo Duran, who got one back for the Hoops after 63 minutes.

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The game panned out the way many probably predicted. The team gave themselves a mountain to climb, found a bit of rhythm, but ultimately fell to a second straight defeat in the competition.

Sutton summed it up after full-time.

“That feeling of apathy once again tonight. Nobody surprised by the outcome… Flat track bullies”, (@chris_sutton73 on X).

A simple summary, but one that rings true. Benfica are one of the best sides in this year’s Europa League, and many Celtic supporters were content with keeping the score at a respectable level.

That’s how far this club have fallen when fans simply accept defeat before a ball is kicked.

It is difficult to get angry after such a result given how often Celtic give away unforced errors in Europe.

Sutton’s “apathy” comment is hard to argue against. This team look underprepared, and O’Neill got his personnel wrong from the get-go.

The result and performance should give the manager food for thought ahead of Hearts’ visit to Parkhead on Sunday. The Edinburgh side will be no pushovers.

Sutton will be on Sky Sports duties, where he will undoubtedly have more to say about the mess the club finds itself in.