Celtic’s Champions League journey ended in Munich, but the performance they left behind told a far richer story than the scoreboard.
Across Europe, journalists and pundits applauded the Hoops for their courage, intensity, and refusal to bow to Bayern. Yet back home, the BBC struck an entirely wrong note, posting a blunt graphic that read only: “OUT.”
The tweet attempted to soften the blow with a caption praising Celtic’s spirit, but the damage was done. Of course, in broadcasting, graphics are prepared for every possible outcome.
But in this case, no one thought to tailor the tone to reflect what fans had just witnessed: a Scottish champion side that led in Bavaria, unsettled Europe’s giants, and came seconds from forcing extra time.
Instead of honouring the display, the post came across as dismissive—out of touch with the moment.
The same misjudgment surfaced in the BBC’s half-time coverage. After Celtic dominated the first half, BBC reporter Alisdair Lamont suggested Bayern were merely “unimpressive” rather than admitting they were being outplayed.
His words shifted the narrative away from Celtic’s brilliance and onto Bayern’s supposed failings, overlooking the fact that Brendan Rodgers’ side had imposed themselves on the tie.
This matters because perception matters. While Bayern players and international broadcasters lauded Celtic’s fight, the BBC’s lukewarm portrayal stood out.
The Hoops leave the tournament with pride intact, their reputation enhanced.
What lingers is not failure, but the sense that Britain’s own broadcaster could not find the words to match the performance.