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Name: Liel Abada
aka: –
Born: 3 Oct 2001
Birthplace: Petah Tikva, Israel
Signed: 14 Jul 2021 (est £3.5m from Maccabi Petah Tikva)
Left: 7 March 2024 (£10m to Charlotte FC (USA))
Position: Right-wing midfielder
Debut (Friendly): Celtic 0-1 Preston North End, Friendly, 17 July 2021
Debut (Competitive): Celtic 1-1 FC Midtjylland, European Cup (and scored), 20 July 2021
Squad No.: 11
Internationals: Israel
International Caps: [complete at end of career]
International Goals: [complete at end of career]
Biog
The young Israeli Liel Abada was arriving at a Celtic in a rebuilding mode under new manager Ange Postecoglu. An interesting but reputedly expensive purchase for his lack of experience (est £3.5m), he was following in the footsteps of a line of Israeli players who had come to Celtic (e.g. Nir Bitton). He arrived from Maccabi Petah Tikva (Israel) as a prospect, and was reputedly one of the country’s best players.
One notable point was that he was stepping in for departing fellow Israeli professional Nir Bitton. In his first year, they became close friends and this helped Abada settle into the side, an important point for a young player.
Seen as quick with good acceleration often displayed with penetrative runs out of possession, carrying the ball at speed, using his low centre of gravity to change direction. However, the statisticians weren’t wholly convinced with his pre-Celtic data to the cost, but only time would tell, and that didn’t take long.
He had an excellent start with a fine goal in his competitive debut, a 1-1 draw v FC Midtjylland in a Champions league qualifier to get him going. This was the early days which saw often stop start progress under Postecoglu, but Abada was a clear positive.
He had talent, and was quite an explosive young player. From the get go from the wing he was providing opposition defense problems with his speed and reaction times. Able to make a good shot as well as a decent assist, he was developing into a fine player.
A perfect example of his ability came in the pivotal three nil victory v Sevco on February 2023, where he silently skipped ahead of the defenders in the box to put the cross into the back of the net, like some silent assassin. This was a pivotal match for Postecoglu that returned the domestic hegemony back to Celtic, and Abada was a star of the show.
He also scored a double v Sevco later the same year in the first league meeting of season 2022/23 (4-0 win), making him a favoured player of the support as well as a bete noir for Sevco fans. Dundee Utd felt his force earlier in a 9-0 defeat in September 2022 with Abada scoring a hat-trick.
Possibly his most celebrated moment was his last minute winner away in a 1-0 win v Dundee Utd away, a 95th minute winner which put Celtic just two points behind Sevco on a very demanding day after Sevco had surprisingly lost earlier to Ross County. It was an invaluable goal that helped keep Celtic in the hunt and push for the title, and demonstrated Postecoglu’s mantra of “We never stop!“.
It wasn’t all plain sailing, and the Champions League found the Celtic team floundering, with Liel Abada like a rabbit in the headlights v Real Madrid. He had developed but further room to grow with some questioning his crossing in particular, a key problem when she was a wide player.
As the Postecoglu era ramped up, he was a clear talent albeit overshadowed by a number of standouts in a heavily transformed and talented squad. Various statistics showed he was one of the key contributors to goals at Celtic, and it was clear that Celtic had a prodigious talent on their hands
However, despite his fine form, with the large and productive squad under Postecoglu, Abada had to accept squad rotation, but his frustrations about being on the bench became public knowledge (especially from links from his old country where his old club had a vested interest for sell-on gains). Not that this impacted his form whenever on field, and showed his professionalism, but as a young player he needed to be patient. There were many sympathisers who did feel he should have been given more starts but as statistics showed he was given quite a number of appearances, even in major games.
He had the honour to seal the treble under Postecoglou, scoring the second goal in his trademark way nipping in front of the defenders to steal a goal, and then provided a wonderful high cross field assist that fell perfectly for Jota to score for a 3-1 win in the Scottish Cup v Inverness Caley.
Brendan Rodger Era
Despite concerns he was being pushed to move on by some from outwith the club, Abada surprised everyone and stuck by Celtic signing a new long term deal which all welcomed. It demonstrated he was happy at the club.
Disaster though soon struck in September 2023 when away on international duty with Israel, he’d suffered a torn hamstring which was to lose him from the first team for a number of months. In his absence, Celtic missed his talent, and certainly declined.
Matters were too become complicated, when the political situation flared up in Israel/Palestine (the related issues are not for discussion on this site), with the left wing slanted Green Brigade ultras backing the Palestinian side. Abada’s entourage released a fair note via social media to help distance himself from it all publicly, and keep things private. Ex-Celt Nir Bitton came out publicly criticising the Green Brigade ultras for lack of understanding of the situation, something that should have been best avoided.
For Abada, it was a difficult period. There was though too much political pressure from his peers and above from Israel, and it was undue pressure he didn’t deserve.
In February 2024, Rodgers admitted that Abada was left out the Celtic side as he was not in the right frame of mind to play due to off-field issues, which was borne out by his recent performances (albeit this should be also tempered by his lack of gametime due to his belated return from injury). The off field political environment and pressure from afar was not helping matters, but in any case, he was likely aiming to move on in the summer in any case.
The support wanted him to remain, and his talent was needed at Celtic especially as the first team to this point had slipped badly during the time since the time his layoff from injury began. In fairness, even during the Postecoglou era, there were periods that Abada was sidelined, so the entire reason for Abada’s lack of appearances was not solely due to the off-field situations. Maybe he needed the move for the motivation. He also needed to still work on various areas in his game. Possibly, those weaknesses are what halted richer clubs from down south bidding for him.
He left in Match 2024 to the burgeoning MLS for the sum of £10m plus addons.
We wished him the best.
Post-Celtic
[…..]
Quotes
“This is a huge club and it’s an honour to sign for Celtic. I know the fans are incredible. I have watched some Celtic games in Israel so I know how amazing these fans are and how special this stadium is.”
Liel Abada
“I spoke to him only once about Celtic before joining, he said it’s a big club with amazing fans. He was right – I love it here!”
Liel Abada on Nir Bitton (Jan 2022)
“It’s always fun to score against Rangers!”
Liel Abada (2022)
“He’s an outstanding young man. From the moment he arrived, he hit the ground running and he hasn’t stopped since.”
Ange Postecoglou on Liel Abad (Sep 2022)
“I really feel amazing”
Liel Abada after scoring double v Sevco (Sep 2022)
“Family is more than football, that’s ultimately where it’s at.”
Brendan Rodgers says it is a “possibility” Liel Abada may have to leave Celtic with the winger not in the right frame of mind to play. The conflict in Israel and Palestine has hit new depths of despair, not easy for anyone (reminder, on this site we remain apolitical on related issues) (Feb 2024)
Playing Career
| APPEARANCES (subs) |
LEAGUE | SCOTTISH CUP | LEAGUE CUP | EUROPE | TOTAL |
| 2021-22 | 36 | 3 | 3 | 12 | 54 |
| Goals | 10 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 15 |
| 2022-23 | 34 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 47 |
| Goals | 10 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 13 |
| 2023-24 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 11 |
| Goals | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 79 | 8 | 8 | 17 | 112 |
| Goals | 21 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 29 |
Honours with Celtic
(Honours are marked below in which the player has played in at least one of the matches in the campaign.)
Pictures
Articles
What Celtic are getting in Israeli teenager Liel Abada – and will he play regularly next term?
Celtic have a new manager in Ange Postecoglou, but it doesn’t seem like they have a new way of doing business in the transfer market.
By Craig Fowler
Thursday, 15th July 2021, 5:38 pm
The club have long built themselves around a structure of going after young talents from the far reaches of European football to supplement a strong Scottish/British core. They hope to catch these players when they’re young (and cheap) get a few years of excellent football out of them before selling on for a healthy profit. Sometimes it works tremendously well (Victor Wanyama, Virgil van Dijk, Kristoffer Ajer) and sometimes it doesn’t (how long have you got?).
Celtic supporters will be eager to find out whether their latest seven-figure foreign buy is another superstar in the making, or the next Marian Shved.
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The early signs are promising. Already an Israeli international at the age of 19, Liel Abada certainly has a lot going for him. He possesses rapid pace and plays with a quickness which extends to all aspects of his game. He’s active, alert and always on the move, whether in or out of possession, or helping his team defend or attack.
Albian Ajeti spoke recently about the onus being on the forwards to defend and press from the front in Postecoglou’s new system and Abada would certainly be an asset to that. He’s hungry in his pursuit of defenders and his speed makes him a real problem for those caught by a poor touch. SPFL defenders should not rest easy with him in the vicinity.
He’s versatile, capable of playing anywhere across the front four in a 4-2-3-1, and would allow his new boss to rotate the forward players, though he’s mostly at home on the right side of the attack. There he likes to contribute by sprinting inside rather than getting chalk on his boots.
At this point in his career, Abada is more of a goalscorer than a contributor. For his career so far he has attempted just 1.96 crosses per 90 minutes, a figure that would have him sixth lowest among Scottish Premiership attacking midfielders last term, while his shot assists and through ball attempts are also pretty low. Not ideal, but not much of an issue when factoring in his prowess in front of goal.
He has averaged 0.35 goals per 90 minutes for his career so far – a frankly excellent return for someone who a) doesn’t play through the centre regularly, and b) is still a teenager.
His shooting technique is excellent and ferocious. He can score composed flicks over oncoming goalkeepers and 25-yard belters that fly in off the woodwork.
There’s a lot to his game that’s still a little raw. For instance, while his all-action style means he always catches the eye, he could do with a little more poise in possession. The technique is there in terms of ball control, dribbling and passing, it just needs refined a bit, which should come with age and experience.
He’s been handed the No.11 shirt for next season but it’s more likely he’ll play behind or as cover for James Forrest on the right of the attack as Celtic will look to bring him along slowly. But if he settles well he has more than enough ability to contribute as a squad player in his debut campaign.
Liel Abada hails his Celtic ‘big brother’ as winger reveals just how he settled in so quickly
Liel Abada arrived at Celtic with the expectation of a £3.5m pricetag on his 20-year-old shoulders, but credits his fellow countryman Nir Bitton in shouldering the burden and easing him into Glasgow city life.
By David Oliver
Thursday, 28th April 2022, 10:30 pm
The winger says he has now settled into Scotland with some home comforts provided by his Israeli international team-mate Bitton who has taken him under his wing off the pitch as Abada’s career has taken off on it.
“Nir has become like a big brother to me. When I came there he made sure I had everything I need. On top of being a really good player, he’s a top human being.
“Nir and his family have really helped me settle in Glasgow. I can’t explain how much he’s helped – he even cooks for me! He’s really done a lot.
“Celtic are a very warm club with passionate supporters. I feel right at home now.
“It was difficult coming here at first as a young player, but I am a footballer who has a dream and I want to improve.”
Kicking off with 15 goals in 51 appearances, a cup win and a league title on the horizon, Abada’s start couldn’t have gone much better. As well as Bitton, he credits his Celtic team-mates for a successful season and one in particular for inspiring the team to the top of the table.
“We feel very united in the dressing room. There is a great atmosphere and we are all there for each-other.
Celtic’s Liel Abada has struck up a bond with Nir Bitton since following the Israeli international to Glasgow. (Photo by
“Callum McGregor has been the most important player in the squad though. He’s looked after everyone and kept us all together. He has been very good for us.”
Liel Abada: Celtic winger ‘fine’ amid Israel-Palestine controversy – Brendan Rodgers
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67175437
20 October 202320 October 2023.From the section Celtic
Celtic winger Liel Abada and manager Brendan Rodgers
Liel Abada was taken for a meal by Brendan Rodgers “to see where he was at”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers believes Liel Abada is “fine” mentally despite the escalation of violence in the winger’s homeland of Israel.
The 22-year-old international is sidelined currently through injury.
But some Israel team-mates have urged him to quit the Scottish champions over a section of Celtic supporters’ vocal support for Palestine.
“I went for a meal with Liel last week just to see what he was thinking and see where he was at,” Rodgers said.
“He is fine. Naturally he is saddened, like us all, by what is happening. It’s a really divisive subject in terms of what is happening.”
Some Celtic fans displayed banners stating “Free Palestine, Victory to the Resistance” after the 7 October attacks by Hamas on Israel.
Celtic disassociated themselves from the “entirely inappropriate” banners, but the North Curve Celtic fan group hit back at the club and has urged supporters to fly Palestine flags at next Wednesday’s Champions League game against Atletico Madrid to show solidarity with the people of Gaza.
“But, in terms of him, he knows he has the support of every true Celtic supporter,” Rodgers said of Abada. “Every person at the club, we are all backing him and here with him.
“But he is okay. He is just concentrating on getting fit and that’s all he is concerned with.”
Meanwhile, following a joint statement from the SPFL and Scottish Women’s Premier League, clubs in Scotland have been advised to wear black armbands in league games this weekend as a show of respect to those caught up in the Middle East conflict.
The governing bodies will also be promoting an emergency appeal by the British Red Cross through their social media this weekend.
Abada could leave Celtic due to pressure from Israel
By justanordinarybhoy 11 January, 2024 1 Comment
[Abada could leave Celtic due to pressure from Israel]
Liel Abada of Celtic scores to give Celtic a 0-1 lead. The goal was disallowed for offside but awarded by referee Kevin Clancy after a VAR check. Aberdeen v Celtic, Cinch Scottish Premiership – 13 Aug 2023 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock
https://thecelticstar.com/abada-could-leave-celtic-due-to-pressure-from-israel/
What’s going on with Liel Abada?
Celtic v St. Johnstone – Liel Abada during the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park on Saturday August 26, 2023. Photo Steve Welsh
Liel Abada is thankfully back to full fitness and raring to go after the winter break. It’s no secret we’ve missed his presence on the right hand side, he’s a skilful player who also chips in with his fair share of goals and assists. Liel is one of the most promising young prospects in European football and we are very lucky to have him at Celtic.
However reports now seemed to suggest Abada could be leaving Celtic possibly on loan or even a permanent deal. The journalist who wrote about this was Stephen McGowan of the Scottish Daily Mail, and as we know, he is usually well informed when it comes to all things Celtic.
This Daily Mail article seems to suggest it’s because of the most obvious reason which is of course the situation in the Middle East regarding Israel and Palestine.
McGowan’s article covers stuff we already know such as the Green Brigade’s support of Palestine and big-name Israeli players who spoke out against them and their words of advice to Liel. So most of it was nothing new.
But could there be substance to this story? After all, it must be a tricky situation for Liel. He of course didn’t celebrate with the rest of the players in front of the Celtic support after the win against St Mirren in Paisley and on his return to action at Celtic Park he did walk around the pitch with his teammates but remained well back as the players approached the North Curve.
Hopefully there is nothing to it, and Liel decides to stay put. He’s loved at the club. You saw the reception he got when he came on as a sub against theRangers. He was applauded by every man woman and child in the stadium.
He is very welcome at this club as every player is. Celtic remains a club open to all. We don’t want to lose him. Hopefully it doesn’t come to that but if Liel is unhappy at Celtic and wants a move, Celtic had plenty of interest in him in the summer and would be unlikely to stand in his way.
Brendan Rodgers grapples with Liel Abada Celtic dilemma: treating him like a son, trying to turn it around, ‘they won’t have a clue’
Manager is unswerving in his support for Israeli – but the prized forward could be on the move
By Graeme Macpherson
Published 16th Feb 2024, 22:30 GMT
A section of the Celtic fanbase will again demonstrate their support for the people of Palestine ahead of Saturday afternoon’s home match with Kilmarnock.
The Green Brigade ultras group has asked fellow supporters to join them in singing ‘Grace’ in a show of solidarity and to draw attention to the conflict in Gaza that has left more than 28,000 people dead. Liel Abada, though, likely won’t be at Celtic Park to hear or see it. In fact, it might be some time before the Israeli international is involved in another Celtic match, if at all. The enduring turmoil in his homeland has made football a secondary concern for the 22-year-old, who continues to fret for the safety of his family.
The Celtic support’s unwavering support for the besieged state – with Palestine flags flown regularly at home and away matches – has also made life awkward for this Jewish Israeli who is facing repeated calls from hardliners back home to move to a club with political and religious views more aligned with his own. A loan deal to a country where the transfer window is still open could provide a short-term solution.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is protecting Liel Abada during a difficult time for the forward.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is protecting Liel Abada during a difficult time for the forward.
It is a scenario that leaves Brendan Rodgers with a heavy heart. The Celtic manager has dealt with difficult personalities and troubling scenarios throughout his career – Mario Balotelli, Luis Suarez and Leigh Griffiths to name a few – but this is one that he can’t resolve with an easy fix.
Abada has grown into a key player for Celtic since first arriving in August 2021 and signed a new four-year contract only in September. The team are undoubtedly stronger whenever he plays, his goals and assists, for Kyogo Furuhashi in particular, a central part of their success. Rodgers, though, can’t and won’t make Adaba play if he is not in the right frame of mind to do so, his primary concern instead the mental well-being of someone he likens to a son.
“In any line of work, whatever it is we do, the mind is key,” said the Northern Irishman. “Now if that’s not quite right, for whatever reason, then the game becomes a challenge. And life can become a challenge. This is a young guy, and this is the sadness of this. It’s not his fault, it’s not our fault, but it’s something that he’s right in the middle of and he has to live with it.
“People will talk about banners and what is going on – and I’m 100 per cent sure there will be some people who won’t know where Israel or Palestine is on the map but will be telling him what to do with his life. They won’t have a clue. So, this is a young kid who has to live it every morning when he wakes up, during the day and in the evening, and the mind games are there for him. It’s my job to help him and support him with that, especially as his family isn’t here. He’s had great love from the Celtic support, but it’s more than that.”
Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates with Abada earlier in the season.
Celtic’s Kyogo Furuhashi celebrates with Abada earlier in the season.
Rodgers prides himself in taking an interest in his players’ lives, their families, their social circles and how they carry themselves day to day. The Abada situation is far bigger than any of that but he is determined to put the Israeli’s welfare first. “I’ve always said, and what I always promise players when they come in, is that my communication is open,” he added. “They know where my door is, it’s there, because I’m interested in the player.
“It’s not just about the football element, I’m genuinely interested in him, and I also need to know what drives him and what his drivers are to be the best he can be. So, it’s always about making time for the players. The overriding thing is that I care for people. I can care for them because I care about them. That’s from my upbringing. Whatever you connect it to, I genuinely care for people. In a situation like this you can’t just brush it below the carpet.
“I look at him at 22-years-old. I’ve got sons older than him. So I see him as a son, not just an employee of the club or a player in the team. If I had a son in that situation, what would I want someone to do for him in a foreign country when he has challenges? But it’s not just me. He has great support from everyone here. It’s just a shame it’s got to this stage but let’s see if we can turn it around.”
Celtic will need to do without Abada on Saturday afternoon as they look to get their noses back in front in what is shaping up to be an increasingly tense title race. Rodgers again leaned on the rhetoric that a picture is being painted that his is a team “in crisis” but it’s not a scenario he agrees with.
“If you were Man City or Liverpool and were top of the league having won eight out of nine games then you would be doing very well,” he reasoned. “But this is a unique country where you’re in crisis. But it’s not a crisis in my mind.
“Look at the metrics we work with and a lot of them have been the same or even better. The only one that’s slightly down is our defensive stuff. The narrative is clear in what it’s trying to promote. But for me my promotion is always this club and this team to be the best that we can.
“Supporters always have that ability to make the difference. And that’s what Celtic supporters are renowned for. Hopefully we can continue with that.”
𝗔𝗹𝗹 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗟𝗶𝗲𝗹
“After 2 and half incredible years, the time has come to bid farewell.”
“Where do I even begin? Leaving Celtic wasn’t in my plans, yet life’s unpredictable turns remind us that we’re not always in control.”
“The past six months have been a personal challenge, yet the overwhelming support from the Gaffer, coaches, and board has been my rock.”
“Their unwavering faith during these
times won’t be forgotten but cherished forever.”
“Reflecting on my journey here brings a smile to my face, the trophies lifted, goals celebrated, electric atmospheres, and moments of pure bliss will forever be etched in my memory.”
“To my teammates and staff, thank you for pushing me to excel, not just as a player, but as a person. You’ve all played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today.”
“A special shoutout to my family and my girlfriend, whose steadfast support and love have been my guiding light.”
“Arriving in a new country at 19 was daunting, but Niro and his family welcomed me with open arms, making Scotland feel like home from day one. Their kindness made all the
difference, on and off the pitch.”
“And last but not least thank you to all the Celtic fans. Recent times were very difficult for myself and my family but I want to say thank you to all the Celtic fans that stood by me, supported and respected me as a Celtic player and I hope that I have given you few moments to remember me by.”
“It is now time to begin a new chapter on my journey in a new place and with new targets.”
“Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for everything.”
𝗟𝗶𝗲𝗹 𝗔𝗯𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝘃𝗶𝗮 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (Mar 2024)
The REAL Celtic reason Liel Abada exit was green lit as fan narrative shut down despite ‘out of control’ situation
The winger left Celtic Park behind for a bumper move to the Major League Soccer outfit earlier this month.
Sport
ByMark PirieDaily Record Sports Writer
18:56, 17 MAR 2024Updated18:57, 17 MAR 2024
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/real-celtic-reason-liel-abada-32376892
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Charlotte FC general manager Zoran Krneta has shut down claims that Celtic fans are to blame for Liel Abada leaving the club – as he conceded his Major League Soccer side should NOT have been able to sign the winger.
The 22-year-old winger sealed a move to the MLS earlier this month for a fee in the region of £10million only signed a new four-year deal with the Scottish Premiership champions last September. But he was left out of the matchday squad by Brendan Rodgers due to personal reasons amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Pressure intensified for the wide man with elements of the Celtic support flying flags and showing their support for Palestine while the Israel international came under pressure in his homeland. Some Israeli outlets put the blame on Celtic fans for the exit – with some going as far to claim that Abada had been subject to verbal abuse in the street.
Asked about the fans response to Abada, he said: “I really think Celtic fans liked him. It is clear to everyone that the situation was difficult for him with the criticism that came his way. He was not ready to deal with it and things got a little out of control.”
Krneta was also honest about the deal – having previously been knocked back by the Scottish Premiership champions. He said: “We’ve known Liel for a long time, we approached Celtic about him already a year ago and they flatly refused.
“But in the current situation, we couldn’t give up. It was a no brainer. To be honest, if it weren’t for these circumstances, I don’t think we would have been able to get him so easily,”
Charlotte’s boss on Liel Abada: “I really think Celtic fans liked him”
By Editor 18 March, 2024 No Comments
[Charlotte’s boss on Liel Abada: “I really think Celtic fans liked him”]
Liel Abada reacts after missing a scoring chance. Celtic v Buckie Thistle, Scottish Cup, Celtic Park, 21 Jan 2024 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
https://thecelticstar.com/charlottes-boss-on-liel-abada-i-really-think-celtic-fans-liked-him/
Celtic Supporters were NOT to blame for Liel Abada’s exit from the club. That’s according to his new club’s boss who is delighted to have at last signed the talented Israeli winger after previously having his advances to Celtic rejected out of hand.
Celtic v Buckie Thistle – Liel Abada left attempts a shot on goal during the Scottish Cup fourth round match at Celtic Park, on Sunday January 21, 2024. Photo Andrew Milligan
Abada we believe was bombarded with nasty messages from bitter trolls in his homeland who criticised the player for remaining at Celtic despite the Celtic fans showing their support for the plight of the Palestinian people, amid the dreadful situation that they are facing and indeed have been facing for more that half a century.
This online abuse meant that Abada felt that he could not continue at Celtic, despite committing his future to the club by signing a long-term contract extension last September.
Eventually a solution found with when MLS side Charlotte agreed a deal worth around £8m to take Abada to the States. Now now Charlotte’s general manager Zoran Krneta has confirmed that Abada’s departure was NOT related to the Green Brigade flying of Palestine flags at matches.
Speaking to Walla, the Israeli outlet, Krneta explained his understanding of what happened.
Krneta said: “I really think Celtic fans liked him. It is clear to everyone that the situation was difficult for him with the criticism that came his way. He was not ready to deal with it and things got a little out of control.
“We’ve known Liel for a long time. We approached Celtic about him already a year ago and they flatly refused. But in the current situation, we couldn’t give up. It was a no brainer.
“To be honest, if it weren’t for these circumstances, I don’t think we would have been able to get him so easily.”
So if the “criticism that came his way” didn’t come from Celtic despite attempts in the Scottish media and by the supporters of second placed theRangers to suggest otherwise, then it could only have come from one place and that was back home in Israel.
Krneta is perfectly correct in his assessment that the Celtic fans liked Liel Abada. The reception that he received from the 60,000 Celtic Supporters inside the stadium on 30 December when he came as a substitute after three months out injured during the victory over theRangers was proof of the fans’ feelings for Abada.
And this was then repeated after he was substituted after the short winter break, against Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup on 21 January 2024.
The only reasonable conclusion therefore is that Abada was hounded out of his career at Celtic by vicious trolls in Israel.