By John McGinley
Charlie Nicholas eh? For those of a Celtic vintage, certainly a player who was an exciting watch in the Hoops.
However, in recent years, he’s garnered a bit of reputation for himself in the media. Let’s put it this way – the outspoken pundit is not shy with his criticism of Celtic.
Why that is, is not my place to say. Who knows, he might just be a glass half empty kind of person?
These pundits are all part of the media circus, aren’t they? You won’t find me getting too snobby about all that, even if we do try to go in a different direction with Jackie McNamara and Scott McDonald here at 67 Hail Hail.
However, Nicholas showed himself up a bit last night beyond all that with a bizarre Twitter attack on Stiliyan Petrov that has garnered a fair bit of attention.
Petrov, of course, was the man drafted into the BT Sport studio at the last moment yesterday to provide analysis for Celtic vs Real Betis.
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Nicholas took issue with it, saying on the social media website: “Why is Stiliyan Petrov doing the Celtic game? He knows nothing about this new Hoops team! They need to get someone who is in the know with Celtic nowadays, who can give good insight on this team.”
I know it reads like a parody or a fake account, but this username is verified by Twitter, so it seems legitimate.
It’s a strange attack considering Petrov regularly provides analysis for Celtic games, including at Celtic Park with the club recently. There aren’t many pundits around who are better placed to be on the telly talking about the Bhoys.
Let’s not forget too, the former Celtic midfielder is a current coaching professional and has a UEFA Pro License to his name, so clearly knows plenty of intricacies regarding the game in 2021.
Quite why Nicholas has gone after him in this way is unknown. But it’s fair to say Celtic fans have the back of Petrov in this instance, with hundreds taking to Twitter to defend the Bulgarian and put Nicholas right.
Petrov is a pretty good pundit all things considered. He’s also very much a respected Celtic figure. I’m not sure we can say the same about Nicholas these days.
These supporters took to Twitter to share their thoughts on it all…
So out of touch with the Celts Charlie, Stan is respected by us all. He always will be . https://t.co/yomXnZuRd6
Charlie Nicholas accusing someone of being irrelevant is quite the pot meet kettle moment https://t.co/ZNcUbRj9D7
Not you then, Charles… https://t.co/LhPNms4Ef7
Charlie ‘s bitterness is there for all to see ..
You couldn’t lace Stan’s boots , unlike you ,he’s still loved by Celtic fans ..
Surely this is a parody?
You’re acting the same age as Sevco.
Stiliyan Petrov: A UEFA Pro License qualified coach and committed pundit who researches teams thoroughly before every game he covers
Charlie Nicholas: A 59 year old man with a stud earring https://t.co/nq7XJBFwjY
He was at the game at the weekend ? when were you last at Parkers
In other news, Spanish press thrilled by “attractive” Celtic as they react to Betis battle with Stein comparison.
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