SPFL HAS JUST RELEASE WHAT ABERDEEN PLAYER DYLAN LOBBAN SAID TO THE REFEREE AFTER HE FOULED MAEDA,IT IS HEARTBREAKING

Celtic’s 3–1 victory over Aberdeen should have been remembered purely for the football — the goals, the dominance, and another statement performance from Brendan Rodgers’ side. Instead, the match has been dragged into controversy after the SPFL released details of an explosive exchange between Aberdeen defender Dylan Lobban and the match referee following a high-profile foul on Daizen Maeda.

What initially appeared to be a routine red-card decision has now evolved into one of the most emotionally charged talking points of the season. Footage circulated online within minutes of full-time, freeze-frames dissected across social media, and fans from all sides demanded answers. Now, with the SPFL’s disciplinary report made public, those answers have finally arrived — and the reaction has been intense.

But before we get to what was actually said, it is important to understand why this moment mattered so much, why Maeda’s involvement changed the temperature inside the stadium, and why this decision may have long-term consequences for both clubs.

A MATCH THAT WAS ALWAYS GOING TO BE HEATED

Celtic vs Aberdeen is never a quiet affair. History, rivalry, and expectations guarantee tension even before kick-off. Celtic arrived knowing that dropped points would be unacceptable, while Aberdeen were desperate to prove they could go toe-to-toe with the champions.

From the opening whistle, the tempo was high. Maeda’s relentless pressing immediately unsettled Aberdeen’s back line, forcing rushed clearances and panicked recoveries. The Japanese winger’s pace and intensity became the defining feature of the first half — and ultimately, the catalyst for the incident that would overshadow everything else.

By the time Celtic took control of the scoreline, frustration had already begun to creep into Aberdeen’s game. Tactical fouls increased, tackles arrived half a second late, and the referee was repeatedly forced into conversations with players in red.

Then came the moment that changed the match.

THE FOUL ON MAEDA THAT SPARKED CHAOS

Midway through the second half, Maeda broke free down the flank after a quick turnover. With space ahead of him and defenders scrambling, he was clearly accelerating into a dangerous position.

Dylan Lobban, caught on the wrong side, attempted to recover. What followed was not a clean challenge. Replays showed Lobban pulling Maeda back before making contact from behind, disrupting both his balance and momentum.

Maeda hit the turf. The stadium roared. Celtic players instantly surrounded the referee, while Aberdeen players protested just as aggressively.

After a brief pause — and consultation — the referee reached for his pocket.

Red card.

Instantly, the match erupted.

ABERDEEN PLAYERS LOSE CONTROL AS REFEREE STANDS FIRM

Lobban’s reaction said everything. Hands outstretched, disbelief written across his face, he pleaded his case repeatedly. Teammates joined in. The captain approached the official. The noise inside the stadium intensified.

From the stands, Celtic supporters demanded justice. From the Aberdeen end, fury poured down.

Television cameras caught Lobban saying something directly to the referee — something that made the official’s body language immediately stiffen. His expression hardened. He pointed firmly toward the tunnel.

At the time, commentators speculated. Pundits argued. Fans guessed.

But nobody knew exactly what had been said — until now.

WHY THE RED CARD WAS ALWAYS COMING

Before revealing the statement itself, it is worth clarifying why the referee had little choice.

Under IFAB Laws of the Game:

• A player who denies an obvious goal-scoring opportunity through a foul is liable for a red card.
• A foul from behind with no realistic attempt to play the ball significantly increases the severity.
• Excessive physical restraint, including pulling or barging while an attacker is at speed, is viewed harshly.

In Maeda’s case:

• He was moving directly toward goal
• He had control of the ball
• There were no covering defenders close enough

Even neutral observers admitted the decision was technically correct — though emotionally explosive.

But it was what followed that turned a controversial decision into a disciplinary storm.

🚨 THE WORDS THAT SHOCKED EVERYONE (SPFL DISCIPLINARY REPORT)

According to the official SPFL report released after the match, Dylan Lobban directed the following words at the referee immediately after the red card was shown:

“You’ve ruined my career with that decision — you know exactly what you’re doing.”

Those words, delivered in the heat of the moment, are what the SPFL described as “emotionally charged, accusatory, and crossing the threshold of acceptable dissent.”

The report notes that Lobban’s voice cracked as he spoke, and that nearby players appeared stunned rather than aggressive. It was not a threat. It was not abusive language in the traditional sense.

It was something else entirely.

WHY THE COMMENT HAS BEEN CALLED “HEARTBREAKING”

What makes this incident different from countless referee confrontations is the emotional weight behind the words.

Lobban was not swearing.

He was not insulting the official personally.

He was expressing fear — fear that the decision would define him.

Former players and pundits have since pointed out that defenders on the fringe of first-team football often feel one mistake can change everything: contracts, confidence, public perception.

That context has caused a wave of sympathy, even among rival fans.

One former SPFL referee explained:

“It wasn’t abusive. It was desperation. But referees still have to act.”

CELTIC’S RESPONSE: FOCUS, NOT DRAMA

While the controversy raged, Celtic did what champions do — they stayed focused.

Maeda, visibly shaken but composed, continued to press relentlessly. Celtic exploited the numerical advantage ruthlessly, adding to their lead and killing the contest.

After the final whistle, Celtic players avoided inflaming the situation. Brendan Rodgers refused to comment directly on Lobban’s words, instead praising his team’s professionalism.

Maeda himself reportedly told teammates:

“These things happen. We move on.”

A response that only strengthened his reputation among Celtic supporters.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT FOR DYLAN LOBBAN?

The SPFL confirmed that while the red card itself stands, no additional suspension has been issued for the comment alone. However, Lobban has been formally warned for improper conduct toward a match official.

Behind the scenes, sources suggest Aberdeen have offered internal support, acknowledging the emotional toll of the incident.

Fans, meanwhile, remain divided:

• Some believe the red card was inevitable
• Others argue the referee showed no empathy
• Many feel the moment reflects the immense pressure placed on players

A MOMENT THAT DEFINES A SEASON — NOT A CAREER

Football is ruthless. One tackle, one decision, one sentence can spiral into something much bigger than intended.

For Celtic, this was another step toward dominance.

For Aberdeen, a night of frustration and reflection.

For Dylan Lobban, a painful reminder of how thin the line is between control and chaos.

And for Maeda — once again — proof that his relentless style forces moments that change matches.

This incident will be replayed, debated, and argued for months. But at its heart lies something deeper than controversy.

It is the human cost of elite football — raw, emotional, and unforgiving.