Celtic were unceremoniously dumped out of the Champions League by Hungarian side Ferencvaros last night and it is fair to say that none of the players who featured for the Hoops covered themselves in glory.
One of those who took the brunt of the criticism, though, was winger James Forrest. Without an out-and-out forward on the pitch, the 29-year-old was expected to provide a goal threat but he was quiet all night.
The Celtic star was eventually substituted with 12 minutes remaining and following the 2-1 defeat, supporters on Twitter were quick to criticise the Scottish international for his performance:
Need to laugh really!
James forrest yet a again a passenger, no striker till 75 minutes!
No plan B
Shocking defending from elhammed!
— Daniel McLaughlin (@Dannyboruc) August 26, 2020
James Forrest has 400 appearances. How?
— Steve (@stevec0471) August 26, 2020
Don’t like singling our players because no one was good but James Forrest…
— Jack Emmett (@JackEmmett10) August 26, 2020
The guy shouldn’t even be playing, we need men no wee boys
— McKay Clan (@McKay779) August 26, 2020
He’ll score or assist against Motherwell & he’ll be a hero again
Never has a player collectively fooled the Celtic support more
— CelticEddy67 (@CelticEddy67) August 26, 2020
I would honestly like to know what the James forrest love-in is with a section of the support can’t see it myself reminds me of a modern day agathe but now and again scores a few goals but most of the time runs about with no end product
— LUCKY_SEV7EN (@LUCKY_SEV7EN) August 27, 2020
I dont care how many assists or goals James forrest has scored he does not deserve to even be in that squad. That tonight is the most recent in a very long lost of performances where we would play better with 10 men.
— davie mac (@daviemac79) August 26, 2020
Honestly canny blame emdy apart from lennon tht performance man shocking. Only lennon should be blamed.
n James Forrest
— Paul (@_pp4u7c) August 26, 2020
Genuinely cannot remember the last time I saw James Forrest try beat a full back down the outside..
— Gra (@graememcfatter) August 26, 2020
If James Forrest is the answer, the question should have a “Scenes some viewers may find upsetting” sticker on it
— Dean (@dean111181) August 27, 2020
Forrest is invariably the punching bag when the Hoops put in a poor display. There is no doubt that the winger has not been at his best at the start of this season but there are certainly others to blame for last night’s disappointing loss.
Manager Neil Lennon‘s decision to not start with a recognised striker left many scratching their heads, and the Irishman must take his fair share of the heat for the defeat.
