There are two kinds of criticism surrounding Celtic, and I genuinely believe our supporters need to become much better at distinguishing between them. Because, as far as I am concerned, they are not remotely the same thing.

Yet, for some rather peculiar reason, certain sections of our support seem determined to throw them into the same basket, demonise both equally and then wonder why meaningful debate around our club has become so difficult.

Let me explain.

The first kind is criticism coming from sections of the mainstream media.

Now, I am not suggesting that every journalist who writes about Celtic has some hidden agenda, or that every negative article is automatically an attempt to undermine us. That would be rather simplistic.

However, we would have to be spectacularly naive not to recognise that certain media outlets and individuals are perfectly happy to misrepresent Celtic, sensationalise our difficulties, stir divisions and, on occasion, pour petrol on fires that are already burning inside the club.

Sometimes, the objective appears to be less about examining what is happening at Celtic and more about creating a particular narrative. A narrative that ridicules the club, questions its supporters, exaggerates its problems and provides another opportunity for those who have never particularly liked Celtic to have a good old sneer.

And goodness me, some of them seem to enjoy that little exercise.

But there is a second kind of criticism, and this is where I believe some Celtic supporters are getting things badly wrong.

I am talking about criticism coming from our own fan media, supporters’ platforms and independent voices. People who follow Celtic, understand the club, care about its future and are prepared to speak up when they believe something is going wrong.

Their criticism is not necessarily comfortable to hear, nor is it always delivered in the most diplomatic language. Sometimes it is angry, sometimes emotional and occasionally rather colourful. Well, we are Celtic supporters, and we are a passionate tribe.

However, the fundamental difference is that this criticism comes from a desire to see Celtic improve.

There is a world of difference between someone who wants to expose problems because they want the club to address them and someone who simply wants to use those problems to ridicule Celtic.

One wants to see Celtic become stronger. The other is perfectly happy to see Celtic become the subject of another humiliating headline.

Surely, this is not particularly difficult to understand?

When supporters question the Board, challenge recruitment decisions, demand accountability from those running the club or express dissatisfaction with performances, they are not automatically attacking Celtic.

They are questioning the people responsible for making decisions on Celtic’s behalf.

And those are two very different things.

I have said repeatedly that supporting Celtic does not mean agreeing with everything the Board does, applauding every managerial decision or pretending that every signing is a wonderful addition to the squad.

Supporting Celtic should mean wanting the very best for our club. Sometimes that means asking uncomfortable questions. Sometimes it means refusing to remain silent when things are clearly not good enough.

I would actually argue that refusing to question anything is far more damaging than expressing legitimate dissatisfaction.

What exactly are we supposed to do? Sit quietly, clap politely and pretend that everything at Paradise is covered in heather and sunshine?

Come on! Celtic supporters have every right to demand better. We have every right to question the direction of the club, its leadership, its football decisions and the treatment of supporters. And we certainly do not need permission from anyone to express those concerns.

What I find particularly frustrating is the tendency among some supporters to accuse independent Celtic media of being disloyal simply because they dare to criticise the club.

Apparently, questioning the Board means you are somehow against Celtic. Highlighting poor performances means you are undermining the manager. Demanding accountability means you are helping our rivals.

Really? Perhaps we should ask ourselves who benefits when Celtic supporters stop questioning those in positions of power.

Because it certainly is not the ordinary supporters who invest their money, time, emotions and loyalty in this football club.

And here is another point worth considering.

Independent fan media is often prepared to discuss subjects that mainstream outlets either approach cautiously or turn into another sensationalist headline.

That does not make every opinion correct. Independent writers should be challenged when their arguments are weak. Nobody should be above criticism.

But dismissing an entire section of Celtic’s own media simply because its opinions are uncomfortable is an extraordinarily lazy way of approaching football debate.

I do not expect every Celtic supporter to agree with every article, opinion or criticism.

That would be ridiculous. Debate is healthy, disagreement is perfectly legitimate and different perspectives should be welcomed.

What I do expect, however, is a little more common sense.

Before condemning someone for criticising Celtic, perhaps take a moment to examine what they are actually saying. Are they questioning decisions because they want improvements? Are they demanding accountability because they believe the club deserves better? Or are they simply looking for another opportunity to ridicule Celtic and its supporters?

This is not exactly rocket science.

We must stop confusing criticism of those running Celtic with criticism of Celtic itself. Our club is bigger than any chairman, chief executive, manager, player or journalist. It belongs to its history, its supporters and the generations who have carried its name with pride.

Nobody should be allowed to hide behind the badge to escape legitimate scrutiny.

And I certainly will not apologise for believing that.

Celtic needs supporters who are prepared to speak up, independent voices that are not afraid to challenge the establishment and a fanbase capable of recognising the difference between constructive criticism and media-driven hostility.

We should be questioning, debating and demanding better. We should also be intelligent enough not to attack our own simply because they refuse to pretend that everything is wonderful. After all, if we cannot criticise Celtic in the hope of making Celtic better, then what exactly are we defending?

Blind loyalty? Because that is not what supporting this football club should ever mean.

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