Celtic slammed after 'scandalous' new off-pitch controversy

03/19/2025 03:00 AM

Celtic are head and shoulders above rivals Rangers and closing in on a domestic treble this term despite losing 3-2 at home against the Ibrox club on Sunday (16 March).

Brendan Rodgers‘ side have also leapt clear of the Gers financially and posted a huge £17.8million in profit for last season as their strong financial performance continues.

But the club’s commercial performance has not seen growth in recent years – with the Hoops’ commercial income increasing just £900,000 (2%) on the previous season.

Celtic have launched a number of marketing schemes this term – partnering with kit manufacturer Adidas.

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 – has had his say on a new controversy at Celtic.

Celtic have recently launched a Adidas Originals strip costing £90 – which the club say “lets fans show their love for the club and its Irish roots”.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Wyness insisted that price is “too much” – with work to be done on tapping into the international market to reduce the cost for fans.

As per the Glasgow Times (3 March), fans have slammed the launch – with the £90 price tag branded “absolutely scandalous”.

Wyness insisted Celtic must act and use technology to identify and target their fan base all around the world.

He told Football Insider's Inside Track podcast: "£90 for a shirt at Celtic – I've seen clubs charging over £100.

"The argument is that the shirt gets worn more than any other piece of clothing.

"I personally think £90 is too much. They should be focusing on volume, rather than price.

"International fans and reaching the Irish diaspora, doing a good job of that would sell enough shirts that they could keep the price at £70.

"I think they've got to work harder at identifying their customer base.

"There are ways now with very clever technology to connect with your fans all around the world.

"They could be watching the game, they may have the club's app – there's a way to activate them.

"Clubs like Celtic have got to start looking at these technologies. They've got to start acting on it, because it's moving quickly."

Celtic set sights on striker deal

Football Insider has revealed (14 March) that Celtic are set to accelerate their plans to sign an 'A-list' striker in the summer transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers wants to find a replacement for Kyogo Furuhashi after his departure for Stade Rennais in January.

The Scottish giants have begun working on a deal to sign Brondby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden in the summer.

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The post Celtic slammed after 'scandalous' new off-pitch controversy appeared first on Football Insider.