Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has spoken about the growing anger among fans after the “Sack the board” chants during the Champions League play-off first leg against Kairat Almaty.

The chant, which started during the game, was clearly aimed at the Celtic board over what many see as a lack of proper support for Brendan Rodgers in the transfer window.

Mulgrew, who played over 200 games for Celtic, said he understands why supporters are unhappy and believes their voice matters. He stressed how important it is for the board to listen and to act sensibly when it comes to both keeping key players and bringing in new ones.

The frustration from fans isn’t just about signing new players, but also about holding on to the ones they have. With strong interest in Daizen Maeda, Mulgrew said keeping the striker is a must unless a big offer arrives, and even then, there should be replacements ready to come in.

His comments come as Celtic supporters grow more worried about the squad’s readiness. With key European games underway, many feel they’ve seen this pattern before, a team short of depth at the most important time.

He said: (Go Radio Football Show), “It’s not the first time and it won’t be the last time you’ll hear that chant. Fans get frustrated, that’s what they’re there for.

“They’re there to give their opinion and they support the club. The most important people at a football club are the fans — there’s nothing without them. They’re allowed their opinion.

“First things first, you need to keep a hold of him (Maeda).

“Unless you’re going to get rid of Maeda, or he’s going to leave, or a bid comes in that you can’t refuse, you need to have signings lined up.”

The former defender’s comments will hit home with a lot of supporters who feel like they’re being kept in the dark while Celtic try to get through a tough transfer window. The club’s slow approach to key areas is still frustrating fans, especially with important European games to be played.

Mulgrew’s words highlight a bigger problem, not just about signing or losing a few players, but about having a proper plan in place. Supporters aren’t asking for anything over the top, they just want to see the team properly prepared. It’s the same standard expected from the players on the pitch.

With the second leg against Kairat coming up, the focus now turns to how the board reacts, both by keeping important players and by bringing in the right additions to make the squad stronger.

If things don’t change soon, the chants that rang out at Celtic Park could become a regular sound.