Celtic successfully appeal Daizen Maeda two-match suspension

CELTIC successfully appeal Daizen Maeda two-match suspensionby Oliver Whitman 11 February 2025

Celtic have successfully appealed the two-match suspension Daizen Maeda received against Young Boys in the UEFA Champions League, with the original ban now reduced to one game.

The Japanese forward will be available for Wednesday night’s highly-anticipated showdown against Bayern Munich at Celtic Park.

The news is a massive boost for Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, who faced a selection dilemma had Maeda remained sidelined.

The Japanese international (with 22 caps) brings relentless energy in pressing, a vital component of Celtic’s tactical approach, particularly against elite opposition like Bayern.

Maeda served his suspension during the recent 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa in the league phase. While he was forced to sit out that match, his availability for the mid-week European fixture will bolster Celtic’s attacking options as they prepare to take on the Bundesliga giants.

The original suspension came from Maeda’s controversial red card against Young Boys, a decision made after a VAR review.

Many felt the ruling was harsh, arguing that the incident did not warrant an extended ban. UEFA’s decision to downgrade the charge has been welcomed by Celtic supporters, with common sense seemingly prevailing.

Rodgers had already made three permitted changes to his Celtic Champions League squad, but UEFA’s ruling presents him with a late yet significant boost.

Maeda is fresh from netting a hat-trick and reaching the 50-goal milestone in Celtic’s Scottish Cup win over Raith Rovers. He now has the chance to make an impact on the European stage once again.

Celtic will need to be at their absolute best to take something from the first leg against Bayern, and Maeda’s return could prove vital as they look to upset the German champions.

With kick-off set for 8 pm on Wednesday, the Hoops will now have one of their most influential players available for what promises to be a thrilling encounter at Celtic Park.

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Norwich City: Bayern Champions League night for Adam Idah

Adam Idah has credited his Norwich City struggles with toughening him up to handle the pressure of spearheading the Celtic attack in Wednesday’s Champions League knockout round first leg tie against Bayern Munich.

The Republic of Ireland international has scored three goals in eight appearances this season in Europe’s premier club competition, following his initial £8.5m move from Norwich in the summer of 2024.

Idah was behind the likes of Teemu Pukki and Josh Sargent in the pecking order during his time at Carrow Road, but has stepped into the Parkhead spotlight following the January window exit of Kyōgo Furuhashi.

The 23-year-old has four goals in his last three appearances, including a Champions League brace at Aston Villa, after a 14-game drought.

“It’s probably something I learned when I was at Norwich,” he said. “I used to get on top of myself a lot and look at what other people were saying quite a bit. I think the older I’ve got, the more games I’ve played and the more players I’ve played with, I’ve realised there’s always ups and downs in football.

“You can get a real high and the next week you’re at the bottom again. So I think you do have to keep quite level-headed and that’s what I’ve been like.”

“It (going 14 games without netting) didn’t affect me at all. That’s what I’m saying. A lot of people thought my confidence was gone or I was upset that I wasn’t starting the games or I wasn’t playing many minutes.

It wasn’t the case, it was just that I wasn’t scoring. But that’s going to happen probably many times in my career. It’s just a case of working hard and doing my bit on the pitch and if that goal does come, hopefully I can continue that going forward. It’s just getting that bit of luck for a striker and working hard.

“People have seen what I can do in the big games. I’m not being arrogant, but I’m confident enough that I can add another level to this team.

“I know probably people haven’t seen that of me yet but I believe in myself and I know the staff and the players do as well. So, yeah, I’m confident in myself and hopefully I can produce that in the next couple of games.”

Idah revealed he idolised former City loan striker, and now Bayern hitman Harry Kane, as a youngster.

“Obviously he’s a world-class striker,” he said, quoted by the Glasgow Times. “I’ve played against him loads of times before, when Norwich played Tottenham and when Ireland played England, and watching him live is unbelievable.

“I have his top – I got Matt Doherty to get that for me – so that’s a big one to have in the closet.

“He’s someone that I look up to. I did when I was younger and he was at Tottenham. What he’s doing for Bayern Munich now is unbelievable, so it’ll be great to play against him and see what he’s like.”