Celtic star Reo Hatate slammed and force to delete instagram Trent story post after rangers 3-2 lose to Motherwell
Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has found himself at the center of controversy after posting and quickly deleting an Instagram story following Rangers F.C.’s dramatic 3–2 defeat to Motherwell F.C.. The post, which referenced Trent Alexander-Arnold, sparked backlash from fans and pundits alike, leading to accusations of poor judgment and a lack of professionalism.
The incident came shortly after Rangers squandered a late lead against Motherwell in a result that could have significant implications in the Scottish Premiership title race. As one half of the fierce Old Firm rivalry, Celtic players are no strangers to keeping tabs on their Glasgow rivals. However, Hatate’s decision to publicly comment albeit indirectly crossed a line for many observers.
Hatate’s Instagram story reportedly featured a clip or reference involving Alexander-Arnold, widely interpreted as a subtle jab at Rangers’ defensive frailties. While the exact meaning of the post remains somewhat ambiguous, the timing made its intent hard to ignore. Within minutes, screenshots began circulating across social media platforms, with Rangers supporters condemning the Celtic midfielder for what they saw as mockery.
Criticism wasn’t limited to fans. Several former players and media personalities weighed in, suggesting that Hatate’s actions were ill-advised given the intense scrutiny surrounding the Old Firm rivalry. Some argued that such behavior only serves to inflame tensions, particularly during a crucial stage of the season when emotions are already running high.
Under mounting pressure, Hatate deleted the post, but by then the damage had been done. In the digital age, fleeting moments on social media can quickly become permanent talking points, and this proved no exception. The midfielder has not issued an official statement, but sources close to the player suggest the deletion was an acknowledgment that the post had been misjudged.
For Celtic, the timing of the controversy is less than ideal. The club is pushing for domestic success, and manager Brendan Rodgers is known for emphasizing discipline and focus within his squad. While there is no indication of formal disciplinary action, incidents like this can become distractions something any title-chasing side will want to avoid.
Hatate, who has been an important figure in Celtic’s midfield since joining from Japan, is generally regarded as a composed and technically gifted player. This episode, however, highlights the challenges modern footballers face in navigating social media. What might seem like a harmless or humorous post can easily be interpreted as provocative, especially within the context of a rivalry as intense as Celtic versus Rangers.
From Rangers’ perspective, the defeat to Motherwell was already a bitter pill to swallow. Conceding late goals and dropping points in such fashion has put pressure on the squad and coaching staff. The added fuel of a rival player’s social media activity only intensified frustration among supporters.
Motherwell, meanwhile, deserve credit for their resilience. Coming back to secure a 3–2 victory against one of Scotland’s top sides is no small feat, and their performance has been somewhat overshadowed by the post-match drama involving Hatate. For neutral observers, it’s a reminder of how off-field narratives can sometimes eclipse on-field achievements.
Ultimately, the episode serves as a cautionary tale. Footballers operate under constant public scrutiny, and even brief online interactions can carry significant consequences. For Hatate, the swift deletion of the post suggests a recognition of that reality. Whether the incident has any lasting impact on his relationship with fans both Celtic and Rangers remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that in a rivalry as charged as the Old Firm, even the smallest gestures can ignite major reactions.
