Top 10 Most Disappointing Results for Scottish Sides in Europe

After Celtic were surprisingly knocked out, here is a look at the top 10 worst defeats in Europe for Scottish clubs. LASK 5-1 Celtic (2026) The most recent one came just last night, where Celtic, who won 3-0 last week and went 1-0 up in Austria, somehow ended up losing, with LASK forcing extra time and the Austrian side delivering the final blow in the extra period. A very underwhelming performance by Celtic as they dropped into the UEFA Europa League league phase. Progres Niederkorn 2-0 Rangers (2017) One of the biggest shocks came in Luxembourg in 2017, as Rangers and Pedro Caixinha were defeated 2-0 in what some would say was a total embarrassment. Rangers originally won the first leg at Ibrox but couldn’t see off Progres in the second leg. Progres finished fourth in the league the year before, which is a side you would fully expect Rangers to get past. Aberdeen 1-5 Sigma Olomouc (2009) A game which saw Mark McGhee take charge for the first time, but his debut in the dugout was nothing but a disaster. On home soil, you’d expect Aberdeen to at least get a draw, but Aberdeen were miles off it. It went down as the Dons’ worst European defeat, which saw the Dons go on and lose 3-0 in the second leg. Kilmarnock 0-2 Connah Quay Nomads (2019) Killie got the first leg started how they would’ve hoped, with a 2-1 win in Wales to bring back to Ayrshire, but to Killie’s surprise, the Welsh side stunned Killie 2-0 at Rugby Park to dump the Scottish side out. The part-timers were the only side looking likely to win, as Killie simply lacked a cutting edge as Connah Quay Nomads progressed. Kairat Almaty 0-0 Celtic – Kairat Almaty win on penalties (2025) Celtic were stunned both home and away, unable to break down Kairat on home soil, ending in a goalless draw. The second leg was almost identical, finishing 0-0 once again, with neither side able to find the decisive goal in extra time. Penalties were needed to decide the winner, and it was Kairat who progressed as Celtic slumped to a shock defeat. Lincoln Red Imps 1-0 Celtic (2016) Brendan Rodgers’ start with the Glasgow side began in horrible fashion, losing 1-0 to part-timers Lincoln Red Imps. The astroturf pitch seemed to be a big issue for Celtic, with Lee Casciaro, who worked as a Ministry of Defence police officer, scoring the only goal. Celtic did make up for the first-leg defeat with a 3-0 home win to continue on. Hibernian 0-7 Malmö (2013) Hibs were stunned in the capital after conceding a whole seven goals at Easter Road in their Europa League qualifier. Malmö defeated Hibs 2-0 in the first leg, with it all to do for Hibs, but things got a whole lot worse. The Hibees went into the break four goals down, and another three second-half goals ended their dreams. AZ Alkmaar 7-0 Dundee United (2022) After a 1-0 first-leg victory at Tannadice, you’d fully expect United to show the exact same in Alkmaar, but it was a totally different game. Glenn Middleton gave United the lead in the first leg, but their defending proved to be costly, with AZ Alkmaar netting seven. Ross’s side were down 5-0 at the break, with a further two being scored, which saw United continue to string together poor results. That was soon followed by a 9-0 home defeat to Celtic, which saw Jack Ross get the sack. Malisheva 2-0 Hibernian (2026) Malisheva, a side from Kosovo, stunned David Gray’s men in a tie Hibs should be easing through. The hosts went ahead after 21 minutes, but an extra blow was handed out as a second was netted on the 90-minute mark. It left an uphill battle in the second leg, although Hibs did come out on top, which saw the Hibees move on. Sligo Rovers 2-0 Motherwell (2022) Motherwell were stunned on home turf as the Irish side ran away winners. You would’ve fully expected a big turnaround by the Steelmen, but a defeat in Ireland sealed their fate in the UEFA Conference League. Motherwell certainly lacked bundles of creativity and end product across the two legs, and the feelings from the large away support were soon shown as an embarrassing night unfolded.

Motherwell ask for fan conformity ahead of Crunch European tie

Motherwell have called for improved fan behaviour ahead of their Europa League second-leg tie against Freiburg, revealing that several off-field antics have cost the club nearly €100,000 in fines. Around 1,500 travelling fans are expected in Germany to support the Steelmen against last season’s Europa League finalists. While Motherwell face an uphill battle trailing 3-1 from the first leg, the trip marks a major milestone in a campaign already highlighted by memorable victories over HJK Helsinki and Havnar Bóltfelag. However, those celebrations have come at a steep price. Several supporter-led incidents, including damage to an advertising board in Finland while celebrating Tawanda Maswanhise’s 64th-minute penalty, have landed the club with over €74,000 in UEFA sanctions for individual match violations alone. “What a few weeks it has been for Motherwell Football Club,” the statement begins on the website. “The number of supporters attending matches at Fir Park, on the road domestically and in Europe has been exceptional. Indeed, for the last 12 months crowd numbers have been significantly up, and we can’t thank you enough for all of your support. The players and staff will never, ever take for granted the effort it takes for you to follow the team. “With over 1,400 Motherwell fans preparing to jet off to Germany later this week, the excitement is high for what will be an excellent trip for everyone to make memories on the continent with their friends and family. “However, as we stated last week, the club received fines of almost €20,000 for fan-related issues that had been flagged by UEFA. “We were fined €4,000 due to the blocking of passageways in the John Hunter Stand at Fir Park against Havnar Boltfelag. “In Helsinki against HJK, we were fined €15,000 for a group of Motherwell supporters who leapt over the barrier and LED advertising before entering the field of play. “The last time we played in European competition, we also received two fines for fan-related incidents. “Since communicating these recent fines, the club has received the cost of the repair work that HJK require for their LED advertisement boards. It is estimated that this will cost the club over €74,000. “Between this and the UEFA fines, we have already incurred fines / costs of close to €100,000 this season. “We are not targeting a specific group of supporters or anyone in particular for these matters, but if you know you jumped over the barrier, or even worse, entered the field of play, you know who you are. “And we’re asking you to please restrain yourself should another celebratory moment arise. This moment created a lot of uncertainty, and the safety of the fans was compromised, as anyone could have been injured. “Last week during our home match at Fir Park against SC Freiburg, despite our calls for everyone to remain in the stands, UEFA flagged supporters jumping over the wall from the John Hunter Stand. “Even one supporter entering the field of play is regarded by UEFA as a pitch incursion, and this is subject to an ongoing disciplinary decision. A second offence results in a minimum penalty of a further €24,000. “We fully appreciate how big these moments are, and we can all get a bit carried away. But such behaviour is taking things too far, and it’s causing a financial strain on the football club, as well as the further risk of harsher punishments growing. T”he club has previously received fines, costs of damage to away stadiums and suspended ticket sanctions for other fan-related issues domestically. These have totalled almost £15,000 in recent seasons. We therefore need everyone to continue supporting the team, but in a responsible and safe manner. “Please don’t be the person who causes stadium damage or brings further sanctions/fines on the club. We want more people to be in the stands, not less. “So, with this in mind, the football club would like to wish everyone a safe trip to Freiburg. We cannot wait to see a sea of claret and amber in the away end on Thursday night and throughout the day. “Everyone to Freiburg.” Trailing 3-1 from the first leg, Thursday’s return fixture is a steep test for Alfred Johansson’s men. But while Motherwell will aim for a memorable upset on the pitch, the club is equally desperate for an improved performance in the stands.

World Cup winner linked with a move to Chelsea 

Emi Martinez has been linked with a move to Chelsea.  33-year-old shot-stopper Emi Martinez has been offered to Chelsea by representatives. This comes after new signing Zion Suzuki was made Aston Villa’s number one. This news also comes following Chelsea’s 3-2 win away at Fulham, where Robert Sanchez, who started in goal, made two high profile errors, which has put Chelsea in the market for a goalie. As per David Ornstein, the Argentina World Cup winner is open to swapping Birmingham for West London. The experienced keeper has made 257 appearances for Aston Villa since joining from Arsenal in 2020, with the highlight being that Europa League Final win over Freiburg in May. When Martinez was linked with a move to Juventus, Villa were looking for around €10M. The Villains are also exploring a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, which could work in Chelsea’s favour in their pursuit of bringing in Martinez.

History looms in Leith: Hibernian v KAA Gent match preview

Hibernian could seal European league phase football for the first time in their history as they host KAA Gent in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League Play-offs tomorrow night.  David Gray’s side earned a 0-0 draw in Belgium last week, setting up a winner-takes-all clash in Edinburgh with European football until December on the line. Despite a draw on the road being perceived as a positive result, it could’ve been better for Hibs with Owen Elding missing a first-half penalty. Hibs could be without the Irishman as David Gray alluded to an injury, he said: “We have had a couple of niggles from the game that maybe we didn’t quite see at the time. A couple have missed a bit of training this week. Owen Elding missed a bit of training this week. We’ll just see how he goes between now and Thursday. We’ll give him every chance as you’d expect but he’s definitely picked up something in the game. We’ll just see if he comes through. Apart from that though, everybody else seems to be going in the right direction, the only definite one out is Rocky Bushiri, he’s a long-term injury.” Hibs made it to the same stage of the competition last season before crashing out in dramatic fashion to Legia Warsaw in Poland, but their position heading into the second leg is greater this time. Speaking about his side’s chances in a pre-match press conference, David Gray said: “I think a lot’s been made of it in the last week and it’s purely because we’ve given ourselves that opportunity. Because it is leg two now, because we went over there and gave such a good account of ourselves against a real good opponent, and all you can ask is for the tie to still be alive coming back to Easter Road. We’ve certainly done that. “The players have earned the right to go and have a real go and it is that cup final mentality and attitude going into the game. We need to try and use the home advantage to our advantage I think, with that. Because very rarely do you have a cup final sort of atmosphere at home, in your own stadium, so I think the players have certainly earned the right to go and do it. We should all be looking forward to it. This is one of the biggest games the club have had since I’ve been here in terms of what’s at stake for the football club, the rewards and the benefits that the players, the club and the ownership deserve off the back of what we’ve been doing for the last couple of seasons. “I think that since I’ve been at the club, I speak about it all the time, you want to play at the highest level possible. It is a big club that’s used to playing big games, and when you’re trying to bring players to the football club, it is trying to sell the ambition of going and playing in Europe. It is a genuine opportunity to go and do that. It requires a lot of work to go Thursday, Sunday, Thursday, Sunday if we’re able to do that, so you need your squad to be strong enough to go and deal with that. It should be something the players relish, testing yourself against the best teams in Europe in different styles, and different ways of playing.” Hibs failed to win any of their European home games last season, but have won both so far this time out, rescuing their 2-0 embarrassment in Kosovo with a 4-1 win over KF Malisheva before a Warren O’Hora’s 90th minute goal sealed a 2-1 victory against KF Shkendija, perfectly setting them up for a 0-0 draw in North Macedonia two weeks ago. The match takes place tomorrow night at 20:00 in front of a sold-out Easter Road.

Scots Abroad Watch week one: Ché Adams scores wonder goal for Torino

With many Scottish players, some familiar, some uncapped now plying their trade abroad, Sebastien Pocognoli may need to look further afield in the lead-up to announcing his first Scotland squad. Here’s a look into how some of these players got on as European leagues begin to kick-off and the MLS returns from the World Cup. Angus Gunn:  It’s not been the start to life Angus Gunn would have wanted Stateside. He’s played six games for San Jose so far, losing five of which. On Saturday, his side were defeated 5-1 at home to Minnesota United. San Jose currently sit 4th in the Western Conference as the MLS play-offs loom. Kieron Bowie & Josh Doig: Kieron Bowie made his league debut for Sassuolo as he and Josh Doig were defeated 2-1 by Atalanta in the league’s opener this weekend. Whilst Bowie is only on loan at Sassuolo, there is a possibility the move becomes permanent. Hibernian will be hoping that is the case next season if they are to make even more money on their already record sale. Ché Adams: The Torino forward played 20 minutes at the weekend as his side were defeated 2-1 by Ruben Amorim’s Milan side. Adams scored a fantastic volley to open his account this season, albeit a 93rd minute consolation goal. Scott McTominay: Napoli started their league campaign in pursuit of another Scudetto by defeating Genoa 2-0 away from home. Scott McTominay played the full 90 minutes as Billy Gilmour was an unused substitute. Robbie Ure: Sevilla’s new forward played his first 90 minutes at the weekend as his side defeated Athletic Club 3-1 in Bilbao. Sevilla currently sit atop La Liga.

Celtic’s European Collapse: O’Neill Takes Responsibility

Celtic’s Champions League hopes have gone up in smoke in one of the most remarkable European collapses in the club’s recent history. Holding a 4-0 aggregate lead over LASK, Martin O’Neill’s side somehow surrendered their advantage in Austria before eventually losing the tie 5-4 after extra time. It was a night that Celtic simply won’t want to remember. O’Neill was brutally honest afterwards, accepting responsibility for the collapse. “I’m responsible for this one. Without a doubt.” The Celtic boss admitted the result was a major disappointment and acknowledged that his side are still a long way from being the finished article. And the consequences stretch far beyond European disappointment. Champions League qualification would have delivered a huge financial boost to Celtic, as well as making the club a far more attractive proposition in the transfer market. O’Neill admitted that the absence of Champions League football could now affect Celtic’s ability to bring players to Parkhead. “Financially, for prestige, but we have to pick ourselves up. That’s my responsibility again to do that.” For Celtic captain Callum McGregor, there were no excuses either. The midfielder admitted Celtic were too passive and looked scared to take control of the game. “We got what we deserved. We were passive all night.” McGregor also placed responsibility firmly on the players, insisting there could be no excuses after surrendering such a commanding advantage. Former Celtic captain Scott Brown believes LASK simply wanted it more, while Neil Lennon described Celtic as looking exhausted and fragile in the key battles. And that may be the biggest concern for O’Neill. Celtic didn’t simply lose a football match. They lost a four-goal advantage in a game that appeared almost impossible to throw away. Now comes the reaction. The league campaign continues, the transfer window is still open, and O’Neill has to somehow lift a squad that has suffered a potentially defining European setback. Celtic have been here before. The question now is whether they can show the reaction their captain demanded. Because after a collapse like this, the response could define their season.