A MISFORTUNE FOOTAGE OF DAIZEN MAEDA AS HE RAN TO MARTIN O’NEIL AND HE GET SNUBBED OFF, IT LOOKS TERRIBLE

In football, there are moments that warm the heart… and there are moments that leave fans stunned, speechless, and scrambling for answers. What unfolded at Easter Road after Celtic’s dramatic 1–2 victory over Hibernian has now become one of the most talked-about post-match incidents of the season. Not because of a controversial refereeing decision. Not because of a touchline bust-up. Not because of a VAR meltdown.

Instead, it is because of a single awkward, uncomfortable, painful-to-watch moment involving Daizen Maeda and Celtic manager Martin O’Neil.

And yes—there is footage, and it is spreading across social media like wildfire.

The clip, barely nine seconds long, appears harmless at first: Daizen Maeda jogging toward the touchline with that familiar determined expression, sweat pouring down his face after another selfless performance. Celtic fans know his style—tireless pressing, relentless energy, never a complaint. In many ways, he embodies everything supporters claim they want from a modern Celtic forward.

But in this particular moment, instead of being celebrated… he was ignored.

Utterly, completely, and publicly ignored.

The cameras caught it, fans recorded it, and by the time the final whistle echoes had faded, supporters were already arguing about what it meant.

A MOMENT THAT CHANGED THE MOOD OF A VICTORY

Celtic had just secured a crucial 1–2 win over Hibernian—a scrappy, hard-earned result that kept their title hopes alive. Emotions were high. Players were celebrating. The away end was rocking. This should have been a moment of unity.

But when Maeda broke into a light jog toward Martin O’Neil—perhaps for a handshake, perhaps a word of acknowledgement, perhaps just a simple nod—the Celtic boss turned away.

No handshake.

No pat on the back.

Not even eye contact.

Maeda slowed down, hesitated mid-stride, then awkwardly changed direction, pretending as if he intended to continue running past the technical area. The footage shows him glance once over his shoulder, as if trying to understand what just happened—or whether the snub was intentional.

Fans watching from the stands noticed immediately. You can hear a few gasps on the recording. Online, the reactions exploded within minutes.

“Nah this is brutal to watch, what did Maeda do?”

“Why would O’Neil blank him like that after a win?”

“This man runs himself into the ground every game and gets THIS?”

Suddenly the conversation wasn’t about Celtic’s goals, tactics, or league position. It was about respect, tension, and whether something deeper is going on behind the scenes.

WHAT LED TO THIS MOMENT? A BACKSTORY OF PRESSURE AND EXPECTATION

Daizen Maeda has always been a workhorse for Celtic. Even on nights when he doesn’t score, he presses defenders like a machine, stretches the game, and creates space for teammates. Many fans believe Celtic look more dangerous with him on the pitch—even if his finishing isn’t always clinical.

But the last few weeks have brought criticism from pundits who say his form has dipped. Some suggest he looks tired. Others think Celtic need “a more decisive forward.” A few even claim he “doesn’t fit the system” under O’Neil’s recent tactical adjustments.

There were rumours—small ones, whispered ones—that O’Neil had been less impressed with Maeda in training. Nothing confirmed, nothing concrete, but enough to make supporters raise eyebrows.

Add to that the pressure on Martin O’Neil himself. Celtic’s season has been anything but calm. The fanbase is split about his decisions, questioning substitutions, questioning rotation, questioning whether some players are being unfairly benched or unfairly trusted.

All of this formed the background noise before the snub happened.

And the snub changed everything.

THE FOOTAGE IN DETAIL — WHY IT HIT FANS SO HARD

Let’s break down the clip, because this is where the emotions of supporters really come from.

0:00 – 0:02:

Maeda jogs toward O’Neil, clear intention to approach him. His face shows determination, maybe expectation.

0:03 – 0:05:

O’Neil is looking in Maeda’s direction at first—then turns abruptly to speak to an assistant. He shifts his body completely away, making it impossible for Maeda to greet him.

0:06:

Maeda slows, realises the situation, and his expression visibly changes. It’s subtle, but it’s unmistakable.

0:07 – 0:09:

He forces a neutral expression, turns away, and jogs past the technical area alone.

This is the moment fans found “terrible,” “brutal,” and “unnecessary.”

It wasn’t just the act of ignoring.

It was the public nature, the timing, and the impact on a player known for giving everything.

FAN REACTIONS: ANGRY, HEARTBROKEN, CONFUSED

Celtic supporters didn’t hold back online. Here are some dominant themes arising from fan reactions:

1. “Maeda deserves respect.”

Thousands of comments praise his work ethic and argue he’s the last player who deserves a cold shoulder moment.

2. “Even if O’Neil didn’t see him, it LOOKS awful.”

Some fans try to defend O’Neil by saying he might have been distracted—but even they admit the optics are bad.

3. “Is something going on in the dressing room?”

Speculation has erupted. Some believe this is not random. Others worry about chemistry within the squad.

4. “Winning doesn’t hide moments like this.”

The overall mood after the win was instantly dampened. Many fans argue that a manager must protect his players publicly, even when disagreements exist privately.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR MAEDA’S ROLE?

Here’s where the debate gets serious.

Maeda has always been the sort of player managers love—disciplined, flexible, tireless, humble. But football is also about relationships, trust, and communication.

If this snub is a sign of tension, it could:

• affect his starting role,
• influence transfer rumours,
• or impact his confidence.

Some fans even fear that O’Neil may be preparing to phase him out—a claim that has sparked heated argument.

Others think this will blow over quickly and that O’Neil simply didn’t notice Maeda approaching.

But if Celtic fans have learned anything over the years, it’s that tiny moments often reveal big truths.

HAS O’NEIL COMMENTED?

As of now, there is no official comment from Martin O’Neil. No explanation. No clarification. No attempt to ease fan concerns.

Silence only fuels speculation.

Some pundits have started discussing it, calling it “avoidable,” “unprofessional,” or “a communication breakdown waiting to happen.”

Former players have weighed in too, suggesting managers must “always protect their players, especially the hardworking ones.”

MAEDA’S REACTION — PROFESSIONAL BUT TELLING

After the match, Maeda didn’t acknowledge the incident publicly. He applauded the travelling fans, spoke briefly to teammates, and walked down the tunnel.

No anger.

No dramatic gestures.

Just a quiet, composed walk.

And sometimes… that silence speaks louder than words.

Players like Maeda don’t complain. They internalize. They keep working. But that doesn’t mean moments like these don’t cut deep.

WHERE CELTIC GO FROM HERE

The win over Hibernian should have left the dressing room buzzing. Instead, it has left fans questioning dynamics within the squad.

• Will O’Neil address the situation?
• Will Maeda’s role change in the next match?
• Will this moment be remembered as a small misunderstanding—or a sign of deeper issues?

One thing is clear: the footage has already become one of the most uncomfortable Celtic clips of the season.

Supporters love Maeda for his relentless effort, his attitude, and his loyalty to the badge. Seeing him snubbed so publicly has created a storm that no one expected.

Football is emotional. Football is vulnerable. And sometimes, a victory doesn’t erase the sting of a moment that feels disrespectful or personal.

Daizen Maeda deserved better in that moment—at least, that’s what the vast majority of fans believe after watching the footage.

Whether it was accidental or intentional, Martin O’Neil now has a moment on his hands that could linger far longer than anyone predicted.

Because snubs fade…

but footage lives forever.