Kasper Schmeichel is clearly in decline but personal insults are out of order

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The Celtic Star

·10 January 2026

Kasper Schmeichel is clearly in decline but personal insults are out of order

Kasper Schmeichel for me is almost finished as a player, and is merely counting down the days to retirement, something that’s been pretty evident in his displays the past six months or so…

Celtic Manager Martin O’Neill speaks at a mainstream conference on Tuesday 6th January 2026 at Lennoxtown after returning to the club following the sacking of Wifred Nancy. Photo Andy Buchanan Shutterstock

Martin O’Neill has a big decision to make over who takes full possession of the gloves over the remaining months of the season, although the smart money will be on Martin keeping Kasper between the sticks just like he did during his first interim spell. It’s pretty much certain that Kasper will start this afternoon against Dundee United and thereafter the matter is in his own hands whether he can do enough to maintain his starting position in the team.

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Celtic goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo reacts during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Why Viljami Sinisalo can’t get a game in recent weeks is a mystery, as the Finn is everything Kasper isn’t, that being young, and eager to impress. Kasper still possess great ability, he wouldn’t be the Danish national side’s number one pick if he didn’t, but he’s lost some of the mobility that you need as well as ability to compete at the top level.

Whilst I reckon Kasper deserves all the criticism he has received in recent weeks his poor displays during the Nancy experiment, I reckon the abuse that he is receiving on a regular basis on a very personal level is totally unacceptable.

Youssef Chermiti of theRangers scores his team’s second goal past Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on January 03, 2026. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

A lot of supporters on social media are targeting the Dane through his appearance with a lot labelling him as an over weight so and so, or words to that effect!! Some of the comments from grown men who should know better.

Kasper may have put a bit of weight on as one does in their late thirties, but he’s far from being overweight as some portray. Listen, do you any professional athlete would be medically classed as overweight? Not a chance, it’s nigh on impossible.

Insulting anyone because of their look or appearance is unacceptable in any form of life. Doing it to a player who represents your club is just as unacceptable and quite frankly shameful.

Jonah Ayunga of St. Mirren scores his team’s second goal whilst under pressure from Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic during the Premier Sports Cup Final match between St Mirren and Celtic at Hampden Park on December 14, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Yes he deserves to be scrutinised and judged, but on his performances alone, nothing else. And as for who gets the gloves, Nancy admittedly didn’t have a clue what he was doing but we’re back to having an elite manager in charge after the amateur from American football was sacked. A reminder that he was Michael Nicholson’s first choice and was recommended by Paul Tisdale after they colluded to remain another ELITE manager Brendan Rodgers from his post for failing to toe the party line as far as hoarding money by not buying decent players is concerned.

Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson and Celtic Chief Financial Officer Chris Mackay in the directors box. Celtic v Hearts, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 07 December 2025. IMAGO photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Celtic is currently in third place in the Scottish Premiership. That’s on you Michael.

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