Celtic Fans Outraged as Footage Reveals Jonah Ayunga’s Disrespectful Act Toward Club Flag During Goal Celebration
Tensions are running high among Celtic supporters after video footage emerged showing St. Mirren striker Jonah Ayunga allegedly disrespecting the Celtic flag during his goal celebration at Celtic Park. The incident occurred during St. Mirren’s 1-1 draw with the Hoops in a heated Scottish Premiership clash that has sparked controversy both on and off the pitch.
The moment in question came in the first half when Ayunga capitalized on a defensive lapse and slotted home a well taken goal that take the lead. In the celebration of his strike, the striker sprinted toward the corner of the pitch near the Green Brigade section one of the most passionate areas of Celtic’s support and appeared to deliberately step on and kick at a corner flag bearing the Celtic emblem.
The footage, widely circulated across social media platforms shortly after full-time, has left the Celtic fanbase furious. Supporters accused Ayunga of showing blatant disrespect toward the club and its traditions, branding his actions as “provocative,” “disgraceful,” and “completely out of order.”
One Celtic fan posted on X (formerly Twitter), “Celebrating a goal is one thing stomping on our flag is another. Totally classless from Ayunga. Should be ashamed of himself.”
Another added, “That’s not passion, that’s just disrespect. Imagine the reaction if it was the other way around.”
The backlash has quickly escalated, with calls from some sections of the support for the Scottish FA and the SPFL to investigate Ayunga’s actions and consider disciplinary action for inciting the crowd.
Former Celtic players and Scottish football pundits have also weighed in on the controversy. Club legend Chris Sutton called the celebration “unnecessary and inflammatory,” urging players to celebrate with pride but also with respect for the opposition.
“You’ve scored a big goal at Celtic Park fair enough, celebrate it. But going out of your way to taunt the fans or disrespect the club’s badge or flag is asking for trouble,” Sutton said during a post-match broadcast.
Former referee Steve Conroy told the media that Ayunga’s action could be reviewed under the SPFL’s code of conduct if deemed to be incitement or unsporting behaviour.
“There’s a line between celebration and provocation,” sutton said. “If the officials didn’t catch it during the match, the footage could very well be looked at retroactively.”
As of now, St. Mirren FC have not released an official statement regarding the incident. Coach Stephen Robinson, who was already under scrutiny following his controversial post-match comments about refereeing bias, was not asked directly about the celebration during his press duties. However, pressure is mounting on the Paisley club to address the situation publicly.
Ayunga himself has not commented on the incident, but sources close to the player suggest that the act was “spur of the moment” and “not intended as disrespect.” Whether this explanation will be enough to calm tempers among Celtic supporters remains to be seen.
This latest controversy adds to an already fiery narrative following the draw at Celtic Park. Celtic dropped crucial points in the title race, and emotions were high as fans voiced their frustrations over officiating, missed chances, and now, this latest perceived insult.
In a season where Scottish football has been marked by off-field drama as much as on-pitch action, incidents like Ayunga’s celebration raise questions about player conduct, fan provocation, and the role of governing bodies in maintaining professionalism and respect in the game.
As the SPFL reviews the match report and footage, it remains to be seen whether Ayunga will face retrospective punishment but one thing is clear: the Celtic faithful will not forget this moment any time soon.
