Frank McAvennie: I was disgusted by Celtic players rolling over at Tannadice

Celtic legend Frank McAvennie says he was “disgusted” by Celtic players “rolling over” against Dundee United at the weekend.

The Hoops’ title hopes were dealt a damaging blow in a 2-0 defeat at Tannadice, with Martin O’Neill’s side unable to shorten the gap on leaders Hearts.

Jim Goodwin’s men hit the front thanks to a Will Ferry goal in the 51st minute before Emmanuel Agyei drove in his first goal for the club to clinch the three points.

It left champions Celtic five points behind the Jambos and two behind rivals Rangers.

Celtic have three league games before the split, and will face Derek McInnes’ men and Danny Rohl’s side again in the final five games of the season.

McAvennie told STV Sport: “If Celtic are going to lose the title, they can’t lose it like they did last week.

“I was disgusted by the way the players just rolled over and got their bellies rubbed. It was terrible.

“I know the pitch was terrible but both teams had to play on it. That’s the worst I’ve seen it at Tannadice, which is normally quite good. That was a one-off.

“I was holding my breath every time Celtic passed it along the back line, but they just kept repeatedly doing it.

“There was no fight and they just accepted it.”

He added: “Hearts will drop points and so will Rangers.

“But Celtic are by no means the best football team in the league.”

McAvennie was helping to launch a campaign to build a statue of Lisbon Lion Jim Craig in Govan at the Glasgow Irish Centre.

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