Halftime Tension: Despite 2–0 Lead Over Falkirk, Celtic Fans Turn on top striker, Calls Grow for Martin O’Neill to Sub Him Off Immediately

Celtic may be two goals up at halftime against Falkirk, but the atmosphere around the team is anything but relaxed.

Despite a dominant first half, the focus has shifted from Celtic’s attacking display to James Forrest, who has become the target of fierce criticism from his own supporters with many now demanding interim manager Martin O’Neill take decisive action and remove him at halftime.

The Hoops looked in full control during the opening 45 minutes, racing to a 2–0 lead thanks to goals from Kyogo Furuhashi and Matt O’Riley. Falkirk struggled to cope with Celtic’s movement and pressing, and the scoreline could easily have been higher. Yet online and in the stands, fans were far from satisfied  their anger directed squarely at one of Celtic’s most experienced players.

“Get Forrest off he’s finished,” one supporter wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “He’s slowing everything down. We’re winning in spite of him, not because of him.”

Another added bluntly: “Worst signing ever. O’Neill needs to act now before he costs us the game.”

It’s a remarkable shift in tone for Forrest, who has been part of Celtic’s setup for over a decade and has played a role in numerous trophy-winning campaigns. But since his return to the starting XI under O’Neill, his performances have been met with growing frustration. Tonight, that frustration appears to have reached breaking point.

Throughout the first half, Forrest looked a shadow of his former self. His touches were heavy, his decision-making hesitant, and his defensive tracking minimal. While Celtic controlled possession, several promising attacks broke down at his feet  sparking groans from the away end. By the 25-minute mark, even routine passes from the veteran winger were being met with visible agitation from the stands.

In the 38th minute, a loose ball from Forrest nearly gifted Falkirk a lifeline, forcing Joe Hart into a smart save after a quick counterattack. The incident unleashed a chorus of boos from the travelling support and chants of “Get him off!” that echoed around the stadium.

Social media lit up instantly. Within minutes, “Forrest” was trending among Celtic fans, alongside hashtags like #DropForrest and #MONMakeTheChange  a clear message to interim boss Martin O’Neill to act decisively before momentum slips away.

O’Neill, standing stoically on the touchline, appeared aware of the tension. Cameras caught him shaking his head in mild frustration after another misplaced pass from Forrest late in the half. Yet the experienced manager, back in charge temporarily after Rodgers’ departure, resisted the temptation to make an early change before halftime.

Still, the message from the fans is unmistakable. Many are demanding O’Neill replace Forrest with Luis Palma or Mikey Johnston to inject pace and urgency down the flank.

“He’s been a great servant, but sentiment doesn’t win games,” one fan commented. “We need energy. Take him off now.”

Despite the criticism, not everyone has turned against the winger. Some supporters have urged patience and respect, pointing out Forrest’s long service and past contributions.

“People have short memories,” one fan wrote on Facebook. “He’s not in top form, but he’s still a Celtic legend. He deserves dignity, not abuse.”

At halftime, Celtic remain in a commanding position, leading 2–0 and dominating possession. Yet the discussion surrounding the team is dominated not by their goals, but by Forrest’s future  and whether O’Neill will bow to the growing fan pressure.

The second half may prove decisive, not just for the game, but for Forrest’s immediate standing at the club. If O’Neill chooses to keep him on, it will be seen as a show of faith; if he pulls him, it may mark the beginning of the end for one of Celtic’s longest-serving players.

Either way, all eyes are on the dugout. With Celtic cruising on the scoreboard but crumbling in fan sentiment, Martin O’Neill faces his first real test as interim manager  balancing loyalty, performance, and the voice of an impatient support.