The president of the Affiliation of Celtic Supporters' Clubs believes the 2-0 loss at Hampden is among the poorest performances he has witnessed in 53 years following the Hoops.

Today's shock has evoked memories of the Glasgow giants' famous Parkhead defeat to Inverness in 2000 and the 2006 upset at Clyde.

But Rafferty claims it is Celtic's worst result for more than a decade because, unlike those previous losses, the club do not have the consolation of another trophy this season.

"In other years, we'd won other competitions," he told Press Association Sport.

"We'd won the league after Clyde, and so forth.

"Today was the last prospect of us being able to win any of the three major competitions in Scotland.

"Today's result is as bad as it gets."

He added: "You have to congratulate Ross County. (It is) a really good win for them, but exceptionally disappointing for Celtic and Celtic fans."

Caretaker manager Neil Lennon lambasted his players' attitude, claiming they needed to "show some b*******".

Rafferty said: "I think that you would agree with that sentiment.

"Things have been like that for quite a long period this season.

"Neil Lennon has come out and said what he feels today, which says a lot for him.

"It possibly might not help him in his quest to become the permanent Celtic manager but at least it shows the supporters his honesty and his commitment to the club.

"When you get that from such a fanatical Celtic man, which he is, that you give up four competitions 'with a whimper', that says a lot."

Lennon spent 15 minutes reading the riot act to his players after locking them in their dressing room at Hampden, telling them some would not be at the club next season.

Rafferty said: "I think that's a moral certainty.

"Most of those players they've managed to get over the last few months have proven today - if not before - they're not Celtic class."

Asked whether Lennon was the fans' choice to take the club forward, Rafferty said: "That's a difficult question.

"I think it's too early after today's game. It might have to sink in and then you'll get a different perspective in 24 hours about what different supporters think across the board."

Some fans vented their fury at the club's board at the end of the game today.

Rafferty said: "There are a lot of people involved in these things so I think there will be a general review from top to bottom.

"That would obviously be what supporters are thinking."