Fans stunned after Celtic Star Reo Hatate brutally respond to Rangers fans chanting at him during the match

Stats prove Reo Hatate didn’t just play at Ibrox, he policed it for Martin O’Neill’s depleted Celtic

In the high-stakes cauldron of Celtic’s Scottish Cup quarter-final tie against Rangers, the ‘100mph’ chaos usually swallows midfielders whole.

Yet, while the headlines will focus on penalty heroics from Celtic, the real story was the tactical and physical evolution of Reo Hatate.

With Celtic missing a spine of key leaders, including Callum McGregor being injured before the game, Martin O’Neill needed his midfield maestro to transition from a ‘luxury’ playmaker into a battle-hardened warrior. He did not disappoint.

As Neil Lennon noted in a glowing verdict during the game, Hatate reached a level of grit he hasn’t seen in a pretty long time.

“Hatate has shown me something he hasn’t shown in a long time,” Lennon admitted. “He has battled off the ball… I have been so impressed with him.”

The numbers behind Reo Hatate’s masterclass for Celtic in the Scottish Cup quarter-final at Ibrox

The numbers back up the eye test. Maintaining an 84% pass accuracy amidst the frantic Rangers press is impressive, but winning ‘5 ground duels’ proves the ‘battle’ Lennon highlighted was the heartbeat of Celtic’s survival.

O’Neill asked his depleted squad if they could handle the heat without their captain, and Hatate provided an emphatic, world-class answer.

By combining his trademark vision with a blue-collar work rate, the Japanese international didn’t just play the game; he governed it, from the first minute all the way through to extra time.

Minutes played: 120
Penalty scored in the shootout: 1
Pass Accuracy: 84% (Opta Stats Perform)
Ground duels won: 5 (Opta Stats Perform)
Interceptions: 2 (Opta Stats Perform)
Distance Covered: 11.4km

Neil Lennon wowed by Hatate’s performance for Celtic against Rangers

Remember, Celtic mustered only one shot on goal throughout the game; they had to suffer, suffer, and then suffer even more.

And the previously criticised Hatate stepped up at Ibrox again, just like he did from the bench during the Premiership encounter.

So much so, it left Lennon very impressed on Premier Sports (08/03/26).

“Hatate has shown me something he hasn’t shown in a long time,” said Lennon. “He has battled off the ball. He’s getting on the ball. His positional play. I have been so impressed with him. He’s had a great game for Celtic.

“Celtic have so many players missing. Martin has them some questions, and they are answering them.”

Reo Hatate, the Celtic midfielder, has opened up about his experiences with Rangers fans, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two Glasgow clubs. In an interview, Hatate shared a story about a Rangers fan who set off fireworks outside his hotel on the eve of their first derby, trying to disrupt Celtic’s preparations. However, Hatate and his team bounced back with a 3-0 win, with Hatate scoring a memorable double.

Hatate also recalled a wholesome moment when a Rangers fan, who had repaired his house, expressed pride in his team but also wished Hatate well, saying, “I’m proud of Rangers, but I’m rooting for you, so keep up the good work”. This encounter showcased the kindness and sportsmanship that exists amidst the fierce Old Firm rivalry.

Hatate’s impressive performance in the derby earned him recognition, and he believes the best is yet to come. “If the manager says so, then I’m sure I can achieve more too,” he said, expressing gratitude for the support from his manager, staff, and teammates