Celtic supporters have been left emotional following a message shared by former Celtic star Daizen Maeda on Instagram, with the Japanese forward continuing to show his affection for the Scottish champions despite no longer being part of the club.
The emotional reaction comes at a difficult moment for Celtic, who are preparing for their Europa League clash against Beşiktaş tomorrow. Supporters had hoped to see a positive response from the team following their disappointing 2–0 defeat to Falkirk in the Scottish league, but Maeda’s latest message has reopened discussions about the club’s recent decisions in the transfer market.
Maeda, who became a popular figure among Celtic supporters through his tireless performances, commitment and determination, has maintained a strong connection with the club and its fanbase. His continued support has touched many supporters, particularly those who believe Celtic have lost an important player at a time when the team needs quality, energy and consistency.
The Japanese international’s message has attracted attention because of its timing. With Celtic facing an important European test against Beşiktaş, supporters are desperate for a convincing performance that can restore confidence and demonstrate that the team remains capable of competing at the highest level.
However, the recent defeat to Falkirk has left serious questions hanging over Celtic’s performances, recruitment strategy and ability to respond when the pressure increases.
Maeda’s message that sparks emotional reactions
“Celtic will always have a special place in my heart. Wishing the Bhoys success against Beşiktaş tomorrow. The Falkirk result hurts, but I believe the club can bounce back. 🍀💚”
For many Celtic supporters, Maeda represents more than a player who contributed goals, assists and relentless pressing during his time in Glasgow. He became a symbol of the work rate and determination that supporters expect from anyone wearing the famous green-and-white shirt.
His willingness to continue showing support for Celtic after his departure has therefore been warmly received by fans who still regard him as one of the players the club should have worked harder to retain.
While fans are looking forward to the Beşiktaş encounter, many believe the Falkirk defeat exposed problems that cannot be ignored. Losing 2–0 to Falkirk has intensified criticism of the team’s performances, with questions being raised about the quality of the squad and the decisions made by those responsible for recruitment.
Some supporters have also argued that Celtic should have done more to keep players who had already demonstrated their value rather than relying on new signings who are still struggling to meet expectations.
The reaction to Maeda’s message has developed into a wider debate about Celtic’s transfer policy, with frustrated supporters directing criticism towards the club’s decision-makers.
One of the biggest concerns among sections of the fanbase is whether Celtic have weakened their squad by allowing established performers to leave without securing replacements of comparable quality.
Maeda’s departure has become part of that discussion, with fans questioning why a player who brought intensity, discipline and attacking threat to the team is no longer available to help during a challenging period.
Supporters have also expressed frustration with the recruitment of players they believe have yet to demonstrate the standard required to succeed at Celtic Park.
For a club with Celtic’s domestic expectations and European ambitions, fans want signings who can make an immediate impact, perform consistently and handle the pressure associated with playing for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.
FANS REACTION
🗣️ @JamieFraser: “We sold Maeda and kept signing players who are nowhere near his standard. Who is making these decisions? 😡”
🗣️ @CallumReid: “Losing 2–0 to Falkirk and now seeing Maeda showing us love. This club is breaking my heart.”
🗣️ @EwanMacLeod: “The board need to explain why we let players like Maeda go. We need quality, not more excuses.”
🗣️ @RossCampbell: “Imagine having Maeda in this team ahead of the Beşiktaş game. His energy alone would make a difference. 🍀”
🗣️ @LiamRobertson: “Maeda understands what Celtic means to the fans. Some of these new signings need to understand that too.”
🗣️ @FraserMurray: “The people running Celtic need to wake up. We cannot keep selling our best players and expect the same results.”
As Celtic prepare for Beşiktaş, the focus will eventually return to the football itself. The players must respond on the pitch, while the club’s decision-makers will face continued scrutiny over the choices that shape the squad.
For now, Maeda’s emotional connection with Celtic has provided supporters with another reason to reflect on the club’s recent decisions.
Whether Celtic can turn that frustration into a positive response against Beşiktaş remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: after the defeat to Falkirk, supporters are demanding a significant improvement.
