“CELTIC FANS FURIOUS AS MARTIN O’NEILL DROPS TWO FAN-FAVOURITES VS HIBERNIAN “WHAT IS HE THINKING”FANS RAGING BEFORE KICKOFF”
Tensions are already boiling over ahead of Celtic F.C.’s crucial clash with Hibernian F.C. after manager Martin O’Neill sparked major controversy with his starting lineup decision just moments before kickoff.
What should have been a routine pre-match buildup quickly turned into chaos online after Celtic’s team sheet was released, with supporters noticing two fan-favourites were missing from the starting XI. Within minutes, social media platform X was flooded with furious reactions from fans questioning the manager’s decision-making ahead of such an important Scottish Premiership encounter.
Many supporters had expected Celtic to field their strongest possible side as they looked to maintain momentum, especially against a dangerous Hibernian side playing in front of their home crowd. Instead, O’Neill’s selection immediately triggered frustration among away fans who had travelled in huge numbers and online supporters who were left stunned by what they described as a “bizarre” decision.
Several fans accused the manager of overthinking the game, while others claimed he was unnecessarily rotating his squad at the wrong time of the season.
@CelticBhoy1888, posted: “What is O’Neill doing? This isn’t the game to experiment. We need our best players on the pitch from minute one.”
@HoopsCentral, wrote: “Absolutely shocking team selection. Hibs away is never easy and now he’s made it harder for himself.”
@ParadiseFaithful added: “I genuinely checked the lineup three times because I thought it had to be a mistake.”
The frustration only grew as fans continued to debate the decision across social media platforms, with some supporters even suggesting that the manager was creating unnecessary pressure on himself before a ball had even been kicked.
Despite the backlash, sources close to the club suggested O’Neill’s decision may have been influenced by fitness concerns and tactical planning. However, that explanation did little to calm angry supporters who wanted immediate answers.
The biggest shock came when fans realised that midfield star Reo Hatate and in-form midfielder Luke McCowan had both been left out of the starting lineup.
Hatate has been one of Celtic’s most influential performers in recent weeks, with his creativity and composure making him a vital part of the squad. Meanwhile, McCowan has quickly become a fan favourite thanks to his energetic displays and growing importance in midfield.
@CelticBrazil posted: “No Hatate and no McCowan? You have to be joking. This is unbelievable.”
@GreenWhiteArmy wrote: “How do you bench two of your most in-form players before a huge away match? Makes no sense.”
@Bhoys67 tweeted: “If this goes wrong, O’Neill only has himself to blame.”
@ParadiseUltra, added: “This better be some tactical masterclass because right now fans are furious.”
Some fans attempted to remain calm and urged others to wait until the match unfolded before making harsh judgments.
@CelticViews wrote: “Maybe there’s a fitness issue we don’t know about. Let’s wait before overreacting.”
But that message was quickly drowned out by thousands of angry responses from frustrated supporters demanding explanations.
The atmosphere outside Easter Road was also reportedly tense as travelling Celtic fans discussed the controversial lineup announcement. Several supporters were seen debating the decision while making their way into the stadium, with many expressing disbelief that two key players would be left on the bench.
Football pundits also weighed in on the controversy, with some suggesting O’Neill had taken a major risk.
Former Scottish Premiership midfielder Alan Rough said on live radio:
“You always want your strongest players available in games like this. It’s a brave decision, and if Celtic struggle early on, people will point straight to that lineup.”
Others argued that modern football requires squad rotation and that managers often have information about player fitness that fans simply don’t see.
Still, supporters remained unconvinced.
With kickoff fast approaching, pressure is now firmly on O’Neill and his selected starting XI to deliver a strong performance and silence critics.
If Celtic dominate Hibernian and secure a positive result, the manager may ultimately be praised for making a bold call.
But if things go wrong at Easter Road, questions about leaving Hatate and McCowan out could dominate headlines long after the final whistle.
For now, all eyes are on O’Neill as furious Celtic fans wait to see whether his controversial gamble turns into genius or disaster.
