Liam Scales accepted responsibility after Celtic’s painful Premier Sports Cup final defeat to St Mirren, offering a straightforward apology to supporters following a result that has deepened the sense of trouble surrounding the club.
The 3–1 loss at Hampden was meant to be an opportunity for Celtic to steady the mood after defeats to Hearts and Roma.
Instead, it proved to be the lowest point so far, with St Mirren working harder, thinking quicker and ultimately beating a Celtic side that failed to take control of a cup final. Defensive weakness, poor organisation and a lack of calm were again laid bare, and the reaction inside the stadium showed clearly that patience is running out.
Scales, one of the players under focus after another difficult display in defence, spoke with a clear understanding of how damaging the last week has been.
Rather than shifting blame or reaching for excuses, the centre-back admitted that the performances have not met the standards expected at Celtic, especially on an occasion where mistakes are punished without mercy.
His words carry extra weight because they come from inside the dressing room at a moment when leadership and responsibility are being questioned.
Supporters have not only been critical of tactics and results, but of what they see as a lack of urgency and accountability on the pitch. By speaking directly to the fans and conceding that the level has not been good enough, Scales addressed those concerns directly.
The defender also made sure to give credit to St Mirren, underlining how clearly Celtic were beaten on the day. This was not a narrow defeat decided by small details.
St Mirren were organised, disciplined and decisive, while Celtic struggled to deal with transitions and recurring problems at set-pieces. Recognising that reality matters, especially when supporters feel embarrassed by how comfortably their team was beaten in a final.
Scales’ comments also reflect the wider challenge facing the squad under Wilfried Nancy.
With a new system being introduced mid-season and confidence visibly shaken, players are being asked to adapt quickly in a high-pressure environment. That does not remove their responsibility, and Scales’ apology suggests the players know that results alone will not fix the strain in their relationship with the supporters.
He said: (TCW), “It is really disappointing. I think the fans probably deserve an apology for the performances and for the last week, I suppose.
“It hasn’t been good enough, and we need to pull together as players, just adapt and take responsibility and be better.
“You have to credit St. Mirren as well. They were they were the better team on the day.
“They were better organised, and it’s they’re day and big credit goes to them.”
Those comments will strike a chord with a support that has grown tired of explanations. Apologies only mean something if they are backed up on the pitch.
Celtic fans have heard regret expressed before, often after painful defeats, and the fact the same issues keep reappearing makes this moment feel more serious. Defensive uncertainty, slow reactions under pressure and a lack of togetherness have now shown up in three straight matches, each carrying heavier consequences than the last.
For Scales himself, the next run of games is vital. As a central defender, he is playing in a system that demands clear thinking, strong communication and confidence on the ball.
Errors in those areas are punished immediately, and Celtic’s room for mistakes is shrinking fast. Dundee United away in midweek will be another tough examination, not just of form, but of mentality and response.
More widely, the squad must now prove that Scales’ apology reflects a shared mindset. Taking responsibility means sharper focus, more aggression in key battles and doing the simple things properly.
The Europa League is still alive and the league season can still be recovered, but only if standards rise quickly and consistently.
For supporters, the anger of recent days goes beyond a single defeat. It is about direction, accountability and the worry that the same lessons are being ignored.
Scales stepping forward and admitting failure is a positive step, but it is only the beginning.
At Celtic, words may be noted, but performances are what matter.
The next few matches will show whether this apology marks a change in direction, or becomes just another line in a week many supporters would prefer to forget.
