Match Pictures | Matches: 2025 – 2026
Trivia
- KO: 15:00; Sunday, Celtic TV
- Moved from Saturday due to midweek Uefa Cup match.
- Hibs first win at Celtic Park in 23 games at Celtic Park.
- First defeat for Martin O’Neill domestically in his interim spells.
- Trusty sent off, appeal made but lost, and he’s out for three matches.
- Disastrous result and for many signals the end of the league title challenge for the season. Albeit still in it but confidence is low.
- Hearts P28, 60pts -27GD, Sevco P28 56pts -26GD, Celtic P27 54pts -21GD
- Green Brigade still banned and the atmosphere (mostly in the first half) was very dampened down.
- Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson has told mutinous supporters that their priority should be supporting the team in title race rather than disrupting matches with protests (see article below). He addressed fans outside Celtic Park before this match attempting to help end the dispute between supporters groups and the board.
- Ex-Celt Kyogo Furuhashi’s difficult spell away from Celtic has taken another frustrating turn he picked up a fresh injury setback, with his Birmingham City future still uncertain.
- Winter Olympics: Scotland/Team GB lose to Canada in the men’s final. Ladies team failed to make the semi-finals.
- Reports:
- Celtic have sent scouts to watch Chivas striker Armando Gonzalez, with the 22-year-old Mexican rejecting a transfer to CSKA Moscow last year and having also been linked with Barcelona and West Ham United.
- Celtic face strong competition from clubs in Brazil and elsewhere in Europe to sign Marcelo Saracchi on perm basis.
- Celtic face competition from English and Italian clubs in the race to sign 21-year-old midfielder David Watson when his contract expires with Kilmarnock this summer.
Summary
Joebloggscity of TheCelticWiki:
A disastrous result and for many signals the end of the league title challenge for the season. Albeit still in it but confidence is low, but really it’s now for Hearts to lose although you could argue that TheRangers have some say in it now. Celtic have a game in hand and can keep in touch but really, does anyone have any confidence in this Celtic squad? Of late Celtic had been living on the edge, and had won three league matches with last minute goals, that was never going to last.
Celtic hammerred Hibs for the near entirety of the match yet created little to nothing in front of goals, whilst Hibs were limited to a few chances yet scored twice. After Hibs went in front it felt as if this was going to be already the ending, but with Sevco ending their first half 2-0 v Livvie and then a late equaliser before the half-time break, confidence picked up amongst the crowd.
The turning point came when Trusty was red carded on 74mins after a VAR review for what appeared to be innocuous, and really many felt a draw was to be for the best. A late winner from Hibs was a killer for Celtic, especially as Celtic were dubiously not awarded a penalty very much after the Trusty red card.
Schmeichel was played despite everyone bar MoN wanting him dropped after poor form of late, esp on Thursday just past. Maeda & Hatate were dropped but the alternatives delivered little.
It was a poor performance, and really to many the league title challenge feels over & done with.
That’s not to deny the dubious decision making during the game by VAR, which will be overshadowed by much else.
It will also be an irony that it was Hibs who will have helped their city rivals to the potential title, albeit their concerns is with three points only and all else is irrelevant.
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill: “It’s a setback, that’s all it is. We’re still in the race. There’s not much room for error but we can still fight back. I thought we were absolutely terrific. The players put heart and soul into the game. No complaints on that side whatsoever.”
”The referee said that he didn’t hold on to him long enough. But it seems a wee bit strange.”
Hibs head coach David Gray: “It’s been a long time coming. That’s twice we’ve been here [this season] and not lost. It shows we are capable if we go toe-to-toe, but it takes a level of performance that requires every man to be at their very best.”
“In time, we won’t need a referee. VAR will do it from wherever they are doing it from because that is what they did (vs Hibs).”
A few days later: Martin O’Neill has heavily criticised the usage of VAR , following Auston Trusty’s failed appeal.
Flinchy of KDS:
Hibs scored against the run of play in the first half, a goal we seemed desperate to concede in that phase of play. Brainless again from some usual suspects. Despite that, we should have been ahead come half time, but even drawing level was enough to show the momentum was with us, and I was hopeful we’d come out in the second half and pepper their goal.
Second half started well. Unavoidable taking AOC off if he’s not fully fit, but Tounekti? Anyway, the pace of the game slowed but we still looked ok. Then, yet again, we shoot ourselves in both feet. I haven’t seen the incident with Trusty (didn’t at the time and won’t be seeking it out now), but the fact he’s given VAR anything to look at is – yup, you guessed it – brainless.
This team has no fight, no conviction, no quality, no spark, and no chance at silverware this year. Not only that, they are depressing as feck to watch – especially at 3pm on a eff Sunday.
I’m not mad anymore, I’m just done. See y’all in July. Hopefully we’ll have a new Board by then.
Asgardreasure of KDS: The squad needs a complete clear out. Today’s could easily prove to be the first of 4 consecutive defeats. You could put the mortgage on us losing in Germany and sevco will be firm favourites to win both the ibrox games.
I’ve been waiting a few weeks now to see the beginnings of a resurgence in form but there isn’t so much as a chink of light. In fairness I haven’t seen today’s game yet , but the facts that we went behind, got a man sent off and lost the match tells a familiar story. It reads like another shampoo fest although this time our luck ran out.
Today was a great opportunity to lay down a marker in this title race and we absolutely blew it. MON needs to keep the spirits up, but he knows that losing today has left a huge question mark over whether this squad can stay in the race.
If we lose at the shampoo pit then the league’s done so we might not have to wait very long before we find out whether the SC is our only hope of silver ware. We might only need to wait another week before that’s also put to bed.
O’Neill: We’re not out of it at all
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill on Sky Sports News:
“Naturally, a disappointing result and performance.
“I just spoke to the referee, he said that he was going to talk to the two players (Trusty and McGrath), and then VAR have asked him to intervene and claim its violent conduct.
“I don’t know about VAR anymore. If it had been there, you’d be hoping two minutes later when (Liam) Scales is held in the penalty area, it’s a cast-iron penalty.
“You can’t do these particular things now if it constitutes serious foul play. But it is what it is, it won’t change anything now, so we just have to get ourselves ready and go again.
“We’re not out of it at all. I knew there would be twists and turns this year; it’s disappointing to drop points today but we’re still in there fighting.
“Any time that you lose a match it’s always a missed opportunity, but there’s plenty to play for. We’re still fighting for it and the fans were fantastic.”
Teams
Celtic
Manager: Martin O’Neill
Formation:
4 – 2 – 3 – 1
Starting lineup
01, K. Schmeichel
63, M. Saracchi 69′, subbed for M. Saracchi at 69 mins
05, L. Scales,85′, Yellow Card at 85 mins
06, A. Trusty, Red Card at 74 mins
22, J. Araujo
21, D. Maeda 60′, subbed for D. Maeda at 60 mins
42, C. McGregor (c), Captain,25′, Yellow Card at 25 mins
23, J. Forrest 69′, subbed for J. Forrest at 69 mins
08, B. Nygren
13, B. Arthur 74′, subbed for B. Arthur at 74 mins
11, R. Hatate 60′, subbed for R. Hatate at 60 mins
Subs:
09, J. Adamu
43, B. Arthur
51, C. Donovan
49, J. Forrest
41, R. Hatate
38, D. Maeda
14, L. McCowan
36, M. Saracchi
12, V. Sinisalo
Goals:
B. Nygren (45′)
A. Trusty (
74′)
Assists:
K. Tierney (45′)
Hibernian
Manager:David Gray
Formation: 3 – 4 – 1 – 2
Starting lineup
01, R. Sallinger
15, J. Iredale
33, R. Bushiri
05, W. O’Hora
19, N. Cadden
J. Campbell 75′, subbed for J. Campbell at 75 mins
22, K. Andrews 75′, subbed for K. Andrews at 75 mins
14, M. Chaiwa
25, F. Passlack
17, J. McGrath
10, A. Šuto 60′, subbed for A. Šuto at 60 mins
47, D. Scarlett 60′, subbed for D. Scarlett at 60 mins
Subs:
35, R. Molotnikov
28, K. Andrews
32, J. Campbell
42, M. Garan’anga
27, K. Megwa
44, D. Scarlett
13, J. Smith
07, É. Youan
77, A. Šuto
Goals:
F. Passlack (24′)
K. Andrews (87′)
Assists:
N. Cadden (24′), A. Šuto (87′)
Match Officials
Referee: Matthew MacDermid
Video Assistant Referee: Grant Irvine
Assistant Referee 1: Daniel McFarlane
Assistant Referee 2: Chris Rae
Fourth Official: Sean Murdoch
Assistant VAR Official: Ross Hardie
Att:
Venue:Celtic Park
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Basic Stats
Overall possession
Celtic 61.1%
Hibernian 38.9%
Shots
Celtic 21
Hibernian 8
Shots on target
Celtic 3
Hibernian 4
Total touches inside the opposition box
Celtic 61
Hibernian 13
Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 2
Hibernian 2
Aerial duels won
Celtic 23
Hibernian 9
Fouls committed
Celtic 8
Hibernian 7
Corners
Celtic 11
Hibernian 1
In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Celtic 21
Hibernian 8
Shots on target
Celtic 3
Hibernian 4
Shots off target
Celtic 10
Hibernian 1
Attempts out of box
Celtic 5
Hibernian 3
Hit woodwork
Celtic 1
Hibernian 0
Total offsides
Celtic 1
Hibernian 3
Distribution
Total passes
Celtic 636
Hibernian 408
Pass accuracy %
Celtic 89.3
Hibernian 82.1
Backward passes
Celtic 109
Hibernian 73
Forward passes
Celtic 180
Hibernian 136
Total long balls
Celtic 34
Hibernian 61
Successful final third passes
Celtic 245
Hibernian 35
Total crosses
Celtic 30
Hibernian 11
Defence
Total tackles
Celtic 10
Hibernian 11
Won tackle %
Celtic 50
Hibernian 72.7
Fouls committed
Celtic 8
Hibernian 7
Total yellow cards
Celtic 2
Hibernian 1
Total clearances
Celtic 21
Hibernian 32
Pre Match Facts
Celtic are unbeaten in their last 23 home games against
Hibernian in all competitions (W18 D5) since a 1-2 league reverse in January 2010. It’s their longest unbeaten home run over Hibs since going 25 without defeat from September 1903 to August 1925.
Hibernian have lost eight of their last 10 meetings with Celtic across all competitions (W1 D1), most recently a 2-1 loss in November.
Hibernian have lost both of their last two away league outings, last losing more in a row in January 2023 (run of 6).
Celtic have scored five 90th-minute (or later) winning goals in the Scottish Premiership this season, including one in both of their last two league games. Since the competition rebrand in 2013, this is the joint-most by any side in a single Scottish Premiership campaign (Rangers also 5 in 2016-17).
No player has scored more goals in the Scottish Premiership this season than Benjamin Nygren (13, level with Tawanda Maswanhise). It’s the most by any player in their debut league campaign for Celtic since Giorgos Giakoumakis in 2021-22 (also 13), while the last to net more for the club in their first season were both Moussa Dembélé (17) and Scott Sinclair (21) in 2016-17.
Articles
Celtic chief launches tennis ball protest return as details of Green Brigade and fan talks revealed
Mark Atkinson
By Mark Atkinson
Sports Editor
0Comments
Published 20th Feb 2026, 19:00 GMT
Updated 20th Feb 2026, 19:01 GMT
Keep Watching
Celtic 1-4 Stuttgart – reaction from Celtic Park
Watch More
Interim chairman not happy with actions during Stuttgart tie
Celtic interim chairman Brian Wilson has told mutinous supporters that their priority should be supporting the team in title race rather than disrupting matches with protests.
Sections of the Celtic fanbase threw multi-coloured tennis balls on to the pitch at the start of Thursday night’s Europa League match against VfB Stuttgart, disrupting the match by several minutes. The hosts went on to lose 4-1 and manager Martin O’Neill said those involved “need their head examined” and urged for backing as the defending Premiership champions attempt to reclaim their crown.
Many Celtic supporters are angry at the club’s hierarchy and have called for change in board room. Wilson, who replaced Peter Lawwell as chair at the start of the year, has met with fan groups over the past fortnight and is keen to build bridges, but said events such as Thursday night highlight the task at hand. He urged for it not to be repeated when Hibs visit on Sunday.
Brian Wilson has hit out at the actions of some Celtic supporters.
Brian Wilson has hit out at the actions of some Celtic supporters. | SNS Group
In a club statement, Wilson said: “Last night was deeply disappointing for the club in many respects. This started with an orchestrated disruption of the game, causing a delay to an important match.
“Over the past two weeks, I have met with a range of supporters groups and individual supporters. I have met in good faith with representatives of the Green Brigade and was hopeful that progress could have been made; indeed this remains the case. I also met in good faith with representatives of the Celtic Fans Collective.
“When I came into this role, I asked for unity inside the stadium to support the team while trying to resolve other issues. I want to see suspensions lifted and differences set aside, but this cannot be unconditional. Last night’s disruption and the reasoning behind it illustrate the difficulty we face and have repeatedly had to contend with.
“This is not intended to deflect from other issues that affect the club and are fully recognised. However, the possibility of further disruptions needs to be addressed urgently. Surely the priority must be to give Martin and our players every opportunity to achieve their objectives within the remainder of the season.
“On that basis, I will continue to seek an end to this debilitating and unnecessary atmosphere of conflict.”
Celtic suffer disappointing home defeat against Hibs
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/22/celtic-suffer-disappointing-home-defeat-against-hibs/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
Share
22 Feb 2026, 5:15 pm
Scottish Premiership
Sunday, February 22, 2026
Celtic Park
CELTIC…1
(Nygren 45 -1)
HIBS…2
(Passlack 24, Andrews 88)
Celtic were defeated by Hibs at Celtic Park this afternoon, with Benjamin Nygren’s equaliser just before half time cancelled out by a late winner for the visitors.
Martin O’Neill’s men looked to put the visitors under early pressure and just minutes in to the match there was a shout for a penalty when it looked like Tomáš Čvančara had been hauled down in the box, but the play continued.
As Hibernian began to settle in to the game, they were able to force themselves up the park and with just shy of 10 minutes gone, Julián Araujo had to produce a well-timed block in the box to deny Nicky Cadden, who fired a shot towards goal from close range.
Benjamin Nygren went close to breaking the deadlock after some good link-up play with Čvančara, but the Swede’s effort from the edge of the box crept narrowly wide of the post.
The opening goal went the way of the visitors with just short of 25 minutes on the clock when a good cross towards the back post from Nicky Cadden found Felix Passlack who headed the ball in to the bottom corner to give Hibs a 1-0 lead.
Martin Boyle almost doubled his side’s advantage moments later when he found himself through on goal, but Kasper Schmeichel was able to block the forward’s shot from point-blank range.
With half-time approaching, Tomáš Čvančara headed an effort just wide of the target from the centre of the box after Kieran Tierney picked him out with a well-hit first time cross.
Čvančara then missed a big opportunity from inside the six-yard box after a cutback from Yang which looked certain to result in a goal, but the Czech striker was unable to make a decent connection with the ball and the chance was gone.
Hibs looked like they would go in at the break with the lead, but in injury time at the end of the first half, Kieran Tierney whipped another dangerous cross in to the box which flashed across the face of goal and found Benjamin Nygren at the back post.
The Swede, whose goalscoring form this season has made him Celtic’s most prolific player in front of goal, diverted the ball in to the back of the net with a header and levelled the score just before the break.
61%
Possession
39%
21
Shots
8
3
Shots On Target
4
11
Corners
1
8
Fouls
7
2
1
Cards
1
0
Nygren almost grabbed his second just moments in to the second half when he stung the Hibs keeper’s palms with a powerful shot from distance, a chance which was made by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain who sent a clever pass straight through the Hibs defence from the middle of the park.
With an hour played, Martin O’Neill made his first changes of the game, replacing Tomáš Čvančara and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain with Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate.
Yang went close to putting Celtic in front when he sent an effort just wide of the post from inside the box, bringing an end to a wonderful passing move involving Benjamin Nygren.
There were further changes for Celtic, with Kieran Tierney and Sebastian Tounekti were replaced by Marcelo Saracchi and James Forrest.
Celtic’s task was made more difficult with 20 minutes to go when Auston Trusty was shown a red card after a VAR review for an incident involving Jamie McGrath at a Celtic corner.
Trusty’s dismissal forced another change for Martin O’Neill, with Yang having to make way for debutant Benjamin Arthur.
Marcelo Saracchi and James Forrest linked up well on the left hand side and with 10 minutes left, that combination almost resulted in a goal, but Forrest’s effort rose just over the bar.
The visitors took the lead in the 88th minute through Kai Andrews, who steered a shot in to the bottom corner from the edge of the area to make it 2-1, a scoreline which the Easter Road side were able to see out to take all three points.
Celtic: Schmeichel, Araujo, Trusty, Scales, Tierney (Saracchi 69′), McGregor, Oxlade-Chamberlain (Maeda 60′), Hyunjun Yang (Arthur 74′), Nygren, Tounekti (Forrest 69′), Čvančara (Hatate 60′)
Subs: Adamu, Sinisalo, McCowan, Saracchi, Maeda, Hatate, Arthur, Forrest, Donovan
Hibernian: Sallinger, O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, Passlack, Chaiwa, Barlaser (Andrews 78′), Nicky Cadden (Campbell 78′), McGrath, Elding (Scarlett 60′), Boyle (Suto 60′)
Subs: Youan, Smith, Megwa, Andrews, Campbell, Molotnikov, Garan’anga, Scarlett, Suto
Martin O’Neill’s post-match reaction on Celtic TV
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/22/martin-o-neill-s-post-match-reaction-on-celtic-tv/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
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22 Feb 2026, 5:51 pm
It was a disappointing day at Celtic Park for the Hoops today, with Hibs leaving the East End of Glasgow with all three points after a 2-1 win.
Celtic dominated much of the play and the possession, but a late winner for the visitors from Kai Andrews put the game beyond Martin O’Neill’s men.
That goal came on the back of the Celts being reduced to 10 men following Auston Trusty’s dismissal for violent conduct, a red card which will see the American miss out on Celtic’s next two league matches against Rangers and Aberdeen.
Speaking to Celtic TV after today’s defeat, Martin O’Neill praised his side’s efforts throughout the match and shared his thoughts on Trusty’s red card.
“In terms of performance, I can’t ask for much more.” The manager said. “We put heart and soul in to it. Of course the sending off has a big bearing on the game.
“We’re trying to force a winner, trying to press on and it changes the momentum.
“I’ve just spoken to the referee and he said that if VAR hadn’t intervened then he was just going to speak to the two players about holding each other.
‘I think that would have been the right decision. VAR have intervened and said it’s violent conduct.’
“The message from us (to the players) is that we are far from out of this.
“We’re six points behind Hearts with a game in hand and we have some really difficult matches coming ahead.
“Today is a disappointing result but the players put heart and soul in to absolutely everything today.”
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/clyvr7p7y4mt#Report
At a glance
O’Neill suffers first domestic defeat of season as Hibs secure first win at Celtic Park since 2010
Passlack’s header opens scoring before Nygren levels with 18th goal of campaign
Andrews scores late winner after Trusty is sent off in second half
ByNick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland
Watch Sportscene highlights
22/02/2026
Watch on iPlayer
Ten-man Celtic suffered a damaging blow to their Scottish Premiership title hopes as Kai Andrews’ late winner secured Hibernian a first victory at Parkhead since 2010 on a potentially pivotal day in an incredible season.
Three days after Martin O’Neill’s side endured a bruising 4-1 Europa League defeat to Stuttgart at the same venue, Celtic Park was stunned again as the 73-year-old suffered his first domestic loss of the campaign.
Felix Passlack headed in his first Hibs goal from a bending Nicky Cadden cross on 24 minutes, marking the fourth time in five games Celtic have conceded first.
However, O’Neill’s men responded once more following a spell of late first-half pressure when Benjamin Nygren nodded in from close range.
As the scarcely-believable news from West Lothian filtered through, with bottom side Livingston leading Rangers by two, Celtic fans attempted to whip up their team amid a Glasgow downpour.
However, a red card for Auston Trusty – awarded after an on-field VAR review – derailed the home side’s momentum.
The Celtic defender was adjudged to have used excessive force with his arm when lashing out violently at Jamie McGrath before a corner for the hosts.
While Rangers staged a two-goal comeback, Hibs capitalised on their man advantage when Ante Suto set up Andrews to bury a sensational winner, earning a seismic victory that boosts their city rivals’ title bid.
The result means Celtic stay third with a game in hand, six points adrift of leaders Hearts and two off Rangers, who host O’Neill’s side in an Old Firm derby next Sunday.
Analysis: Celtic luck runs out as Hibs underline Euro credentials
Sunday’s 2-1 win ended a run of 23 games without victory at Celtic Park for Hibernian
This totally ludicrous Premiership season has a new chapter, and it could be decisive.
Celtic have been riding their luck of late. They have now gone behind in four of their past five matches, three of those in the domestic scene.
O’Neill’s men had found late goals against Dundee, Livingston and Kilmarnock, but their fortune ran dry in the driving rain in this one.
Despite registering 21 shots, just three were on target – one of which was Nygren’s 18th goal of the season.
The Swede also struck wide earlier in the first half before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – making his first Celtic start – blasted over.
Hibs were wasteful in the first period, Martin Boyle in particular with poor decision-making, but they showed bottle to grab this game when it was presented to them.
It would be unfair to purely frame this result as providing a helping hand to their Edinburgh rivals as this long-awaited victory in the east end of Glasgow underlines the Leith side’s European credentials, with Motherwell five points ahead in fourth.
What they said
Celtic interim manager Martin O’Neill: “It’s a setback, that’s all it is. We’re still in the race. There’s not much room for error but we can still fight back.
“I thought we were absolutely terrific. The players put heart and soul into the game. No complaints on that side whatsoever.”
Hibs head coach David Gray: “It’s been a long time coming. That’s twice we’ve been here [this season] and not lost.
“It shows we are capable if we go toe-to-toe, but it takes a level of performance that requires every man to be at their very best.”
What’s next?
Celtic travel to Stuttgart on Thursday (17:45 GMT) for the second leg of their Europa League knockout play-off, with the tie all but over, before an Old Firm derby against Rangers at Ibrox next Sunday (12:00).
Hibs’ next assignment is a Premiership trip to Dundee on Saturday (15:00).
Celtic 1-2 Hibernian: Three points dropped in title race as O’Neill tastes first domestic defeat
https://www.skysports.com/football/celtic-vs-hibernian/report/531890
Report as Hibernian beat Celtic 2-1 at Celtic Park; Martin O’Neill loses first domestic match since returning to the club; Andrews scores late winner Hibs earn first win at Celtic Park for 16 years; the champions fall six points behind leaders Hearts
Sunday 22 February 2026 22:41, UK
Martin O’Neill tasted domestic defeat for the first time since returning to Celtic as his side dropped three crucial points in the race for the Scottish Premiership title with a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Hibernian.
Substitute Kai Andrews netted a dramatic winner three minutes from time to earn Hibs’ first victory at Celtic Park since 2010.
Felix Passlack had initially fired the visitors ahead before Benjamin Nygren netted his 18th of the season to equalise on the stroke of half-time.
Despite a period of relentless second-half pressure, the champions were forced to play the final 17 minutes of the game with 10 men when Auston Trusty was shown a straight red card.
Celtic trail league leaders Hearts by six points ahead of a testing run of four consecutive away fixtures – including next weekend’s Old Firm game at Ibrox – live on Sky Sports.
Celtic got off to the worst possible start.
Once again, they found themselves behind as Passlack headed in Nicky Cadden’s sublime cross to open the scoring after 24 minutes.
It could and should have been worse.
Three minutes later Cadden picked out Martin Boyle’s clever run in behind Celtic’s backline. The Australian tried to round Kasper Schmeichel, but he took his touch too wide, and opted to shoot instead of squaring it to either Jamie McGrath or Owen Elding who were queuing up for a tap-in.
A let-off for the champions who responded with a barrage of attacks in their quest of an equaliser before the break.
Tomas Cvancara and Hyun-Jun Yang passed up golden opportunities before the in-form Nygren stepped up once again.
The Sweden international midfielder produced a diving header to convert from Kieran Tierney’s deflected cross in added time.
Celtic then started the second half in the groove with wave after wave of green and white attack, but ultimately they paid the price for not taking advantage of their dominance.
Defender Auston Trusty was sent off in the 73rd minute for punching Jamie McGrath in the arm at a corner, and that’s when the game changed.
Hibs smelled blood and eventually got their winner in the 87th minute through Andrews.
The Coventry City loanee combined well with fellow substitute Ante Suto before calmly dispatching the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
O’Neill: We’re not out of it at all
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill on Sky Sports News:
“Naturally, a disappointing result and performance.
“I just spoke to the referee, he said that he was going to talk to the two players (Trusty and McGrath), and then VAR have asked him to intervene and claim its violent conduct.
“I don’t know about VAR anymore. If it had been there, you’d be hoping two minutes later when (Liam) Scales is held in the penalty area, it’s a cast-iron penalty.
“You can’t do these particular things now if it constitutes serious foul play. But it is what it is, it won’t change anything now, so we just have to get ourselves ready and go again.
“We’re not out of it at all. I knew there would be twists and turns this year; it’s disappointing to drop points today but we’re still in there fighting.
“Any time that you lose a match it’s always a missed opportunity, but there’s plenty to play for. We’re still fighting for it and the fans were fantastic.”
Gray: We wanted to create history
Hibernian head coach David Gray on Sky Sports News:
“I’m obviously really pleased to win. I’m delighted for the players.
“I challenged them before the game to try and create history in a positive way… it’s been a long time since a Hibs team came here and won.
“16 years it’s been; we tried to recreate history in a positive way, the boys should take all the praise for that because they fully deserve it.
“That’s twice we’ve been here and not lost, so I’m delighted for the supporters, they’ll be going along the M8 happy this time.
“We’ve gone under the radar a little bit because we’ve been inconsistent at times. If we do play to a level, we’re a good side that can go toe-to-toe with anyone – and we demonstrated that today.
“That puts us five points behind Motherwell. Until you can’t catch the team in front, it’s always about trying to do that.
“Results like that keep you hungry and makes sure you’ve got something to play for come the end of the season.”
Auston Trusty
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/february/24/celtic-s-/
Club News
By Celtic Football Club
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24 Feb 2026, 6:56 pm
With regards to the outcome of today’s hearing regarding Auston Trusty, the club provides the following update:
We are hugely disappointed at today’s decision, which will now result in Auston Trusty being suspended for three matches after an “arm to arm” contact as he looked to release himself from being held prior to the ball coming into play – the kind of incident which features in games across the country week in week out.
The match audio demonstrates that the referee saw the incident clearly. Immediately following the incident, the referee said: “It’s nothing I’m just going to speak to them” in terms of no further action being required.
In discussions with Celtic Manager Martin O’Neill after the match this was something he also confirmed.
However, VAR again decided to intervene to ‘re-referee’ an initial decision which had been made.
While we await the written judgement, this and other decisions in the match and in other recent games demonstrate a serious issue with VAR and its current deployment which needs urgently reviewed.