CAPTAIN BOYLE’S POST-MATCH COMMENTS IGNITE MASSIVE REACTION ONLINE AS HE SLAMMED TEAMMATE WHO WAS SEEN LAUGHING WITH HIS CELTIC FRIEND AFTER SORE 2–1 DEFEAT

Captain Boyle backs manager’s decision to suspend teammate following controversial post-match conduct after Celtic defeat

Hibernian captain Martin Boyle has publicly supported manager David Gray’s decision to suspend Chris Cadden after the midfielder was caught on camera sharing a light-hearted moment with Celtic star after Hibs’ 2–1 defeat at Easter Road.

The defeat itself was a closely fought encounter, with Celtic opening the scoring through Daizen Maeda in the 27th minute, only for Hibs to respond swiftly with A. Engels levelling the game in the 28th minute. Boyle then put Hibs ahead with a penalty in the 56th minute. However, Celtic rallied late on to snatch a dramatic victory, leaving the home crowd stunned and frustrated.

While the game was full of emotional highs and lows on the pitch, it was what happened immediately afterward that has captured headlines and divided opinions. Footage emerged showing Cadden laughing and shaking hands with McGregor shortly after the final whistle  a gesture that many Hibs supporters found inappropriate given the disappointment of the loss.

Martin Boyle, who captained Hibs throughout the match and scored the penalty that briefly put his side ahead, was equally forthright in his reaction. In a statement delivered to the club’s media team, Boyle backed Gray’s stance and expressed his own disapproval of Cadden’s conduct.

“Celtic manipulated the game from start to finish, benefiting from blatant referee bias that cost us dearly. It wasn’t football; it was a performance rigged against us. We fought hard, but the decisions handed them the win unfairly this isn’t how the game should be played.”

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“It was a tough night for everyone involved with the club,” Boyle said. “Everyone was hurting the players, staff, and fans. To see a teammate joking around with the opposition captain so soon after the final whistle was difficult to accept.”

Boyle emphasised that the club’s standards go beyond performance on the pitch. “We have to hold ourselves to a high standard both on and off the pitch, especially in moments like this,” he said. “That’s why I fully support the manager’s decision. We must show respect to the club, to our teammates, and to our supporters who give us so much.”

The captain’s comments have sparked a wave of debate among supporters and pundits. Many have praised Boyle for his leadership and commitment to upholding the values of the club during a difficult moment. Others have questioned whether the matter could have been dealt with internally without public criticism.

Despite the mixed reaction, it is clear that Gray and Boyle are united in sending a message about accountability and professionalism.

Sources close to Cadden say the player regrets the controversy caused by the footage and insists there was no disrespect intended. It is understood the club’s investigation will take into account Cadden’s explanation, but the suspension remains in place while the review continues.

The incident has highlighted the pressures modern footballers face, particularly in an era where every gesture is scrutinised and amplified on social media. For Hibs, managing the fallout and restoring harmony within the squad will be a priority as they prepare for upcoming fixtures.

Gray stressed the importance of moving forward together. “We’re focused on coming back stronger and uniting as a team,” he said. “What has happened will be dealt with, and the club will take whatever steps are necessary to protect the team’s integrity.”

Boyle echoed those sentiments, urging fans to continue supporting the squad through a challenging period. “We’re all in this together,” he said. “The supporters have been incredible, and we want to repay their passion with performances they can be proud of.”

The 2–1 defeat to Celtic will long be remembered for the on-pitch drama, but it is the post-match fallout and the strong leadership displayed by Gray and Boyle that will define how this episode is ultimately viewed by the club and its supporters.