Kilmarnock manager Neil McCann criticized SPFL rules after a heavy 5-1 home defeat to Celtic this week. McCann took personal responsibility for the loss but called the suspension that sidelined defender Robbie Deas a disgrace, as reported by The Herald.
Neil McCann's side conceded early at Rugby Park and found themselves overwhelmed by the champions. The manager said he asked his team to play openly, a tactic that led to mistakes being punished. Celtic's Kasper Høgh scored a hat-trick within 35 minutes, contributing to a difficult afternoon for Killie. The result leaves Kilmarnock with nine goals conceded in their first two Premiership matches of the 2026/27 season.
Why was Robbie Deas suspended?
Robbie Deas missed the match against Celtic due to a two-game ban. The suspension resulted from an accumulation of six yellow cards he received in the second half of the previous campaign. SPFL rules carry over disciplinary points for yellow cards into the new league season, a policy McCann strongly opposes. "I have to say this ridiculous nature of yellow cards going into new seasons in any league is a disgrace," McCann told The Herald. "It doesn't make any sense." Deas is now available again and will rejoin the squad.
How did Kilmarnock perform defensively?
The defensive performance was a major concern. Goalkeeper Max Stryjek made several important saves in the first half to prevent a larger deficit. McCann acknowledged a specific error for the fourth goal, which originated from playing out from the back. The team's defensive record is an early issue, with the nine goals conceded across two games highlighting a need for improvement. Fans can review the team's defensive statistics on our stats page for more context on the season's start.
What did Neil McCann say about his tactics?
McCann was clear that the tactical approach was his call. He wanted his team to be expansive and try to play football, accepting the risks involved. "I'm taking responsibility. I've asked us to go a wee bit open and expansive and try and play," he said. The manager believed his side were the better team in the early stages but lacked quality in the final third. He admitted the game plan played into Celtic's strength on the counter-attack, which proved costly.
What's next for Kilmarnock?
Attention immediately turns to a Premier Sports Cup second-round tie against Ayr United on Friday night. McCann stated the team will be better prepared for that match, viewing it as another chance to develop understanding among the squad. The manager vowed to front up and not take a step backwards. The upcoming derby is a significant fixture, and the team's schedule can be followed on our fixtures page. Deas's return from suspension will provide a welcome boost to the defensive options available for selection.
