Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has publicly backed defender Auston Trusty, calling former Parkhead striker Frank McAvennie's comments about the player's absence "poor taste" and "not on."
Trusty is currently with his family in the United States on compassionate grounds following the death of his father. McAvennie, speaking on his podcast "Let me be Frank," questioned the length of Trusty's absence, referring to it as "nonsense" perpetuated by the "woke brigade" and suggesting the player should "get on with it."
These remarks drew significant backlash, prompting McAvennie to issue an apology and state he meant no disrespect and wished Trusty and his family well. He also claimed he was trying to convey that "Celtic need the big man back."
O'Neill dismissed McAvennie's attempt to backtrack, emphasizing that Trusty's situation is a family bereavement and that no one should dictate how long another person should grieve. "This is a family thing. And that's not right," O'Neill stated. He confirmed that Trusty asked for time off, and "even if it's a celebration (of his late father's life) it doesn't matter."
O'Neill noted that Trusty's father had been in poor health for some time. "I've afforded him all the time he wants," the Celtic boss said, adding that Trusty has the "backing of myself and he's got the backing of the club."
Trusty has missed Celtic's last four matches: against Celta Vigo, Hibernian, Dundee United, and Falkirk.