Match Pictures | Matches: 2025 – 2026
Trivia
- KO: 17:30, Sky Sports, Saturday
- First game post-split, final run-in of games….
- Sevco lost 3-2 at home to Motherwell the next day with the winner scored at the 90th min, but Hearts defeated Hibs despite Hibs taking the lead, but then Hibs had two red cards one of them a very ridiculous one by their goalkeeper!
- Played 34 games: Hearts 73pts +31GD, Celtic 70pts +26GD, Sevco 69pts +34GD
- Alistair Johnston returns after long time out with injury (plus setbacks).
- Daizen Maeda scores two, incredible after long spell with no goals this calendar year (albeit did score in another goal recently). His best performance this season was today.
- Gordon Strachan is impressed by Martin O’Neill’s impact back in the Celtic dugout but does not expect to make a similar return to management.
- Houston Dynamo defender Erik Sviatchenko urges former club Celtic not to be put off by shopping in the MLS market after their ill-fated spell under Wilfried Nancy.
- Dunfermline Athletic are lobbying the SFA for a maximum ticket allocation for the Scottish Cup final against Celtic next month after around 10,000 Pars fans attended their semi-final victory over Falkirk.
- Martin O’Neill insists the club’s hierarchy are behind the new deals being offered to players, following the contract extensions of Liam Scales, Luke McCowan and James Forrest.
- Martin O’Neill says he is playing a role in future-proofing Celtic beyond the summer – but he insists final decisions rest with the club’s board.
- Callum McGregor warned that he could leave Celtic this summer if the club fail to show ambition and team-mate Forrest agrees.
- Celtic have refused to give away fans any tickets to the final Glasgow derby of the season unless the Ibrox club’s Union Bears ultras group is banned [ “identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder”].
- Reports:
- Engels transfer interest from Lazio acc to report in the Italy. Nottingham Forest will come in again for him too.
- Racing Club keeping an eye on Saracchi, with any move resting on two key factors.
- Celtic plan to discuss a new contract with Luke McCowan, approaching final year of his current deal.
- Celtic in race to sign N Ireland goalkeeper Pierce Charles from Sheffield Wednesday.
- Celtic and Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok are among the clubs monitoring Motherwell goalkeeper Calum Ward, who is under contract until 2027.
Summary
“We’ve got flaws like anybody else, but you can’t dispute the character of the team. “We have to battle for everything. “There were times today when we pressed strongly, we were great.” On keeping an eye on Hearts and Rangers, he adds: “Naturally, I’ll pay attention tomorrow, I’ve always done that. “It’s a three-horse race”
Martin O’Neill
“It was a big challenge today to see where the players were, it’s been a hard week for us. “I’m very proud, it was very, very gutsy and brave, the performance. “We didn’t sit back, we just tried to take it to Celtic as much as we could. “I thought Celtic were bang at it in the first half, I haven’t seen them press as well as that in a long time. “Keelan (Adams) gets caught on it, dilly dallying, we go over these things in analysis, so we knew Maeda was going to press like that, and we shouldn’t get caught on the ball. “Similarly, Ben (Broggio) gets caught on the ball, and we lose two goals. “I thought mentally in the second half, many teams would be two goals down and lose by five or six, but the second half is 1-1, and I’m so proud of the players for the goal they scored and the way that they played.”
Falkirk manager John McGlynn
Biscuit Tin of KDS:
Dust has settled
A lovely day in the sun but we are still a very worrying team at times
Delighted to see Diazen show serious improvement today – KT’s goal a peach but he was fukkin rotten for their goal – cracking hit but he had plenty of time to cheat it and adjust to get his shot off with KT stood and watched – Saracchi over him is a must – he actually goes forward
The amount of passing back for a spell was something else – from a corner – back to the keeper – from the half way line – back to the keeper
Delighted AJ is back as well
It’s been said but we are clearly not coached to play a certain game – it’s a Hail Mary on the players game now
Throw in ? Nope no one knows what to do
Corners ? Same
It’s a great three points but I’m not fooled that we’ve clicked
I’d drop KT and Calmac btw
Hatate must have the huffiest attitude in the world
Teams
Celtic
Manager: Martin O’Neill
Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1
Starting lineup
12, V. Sinisalo
63, K. Tierney, subbed for M. Saracchi at 72 mins
05, L. Scales
06, A. Trusty,64′, Yellow Card at 64 mins
56, A. Ralston,70′, Yellow Card at 70 mins, subbed for A. Johnston at 72 mins
27, A. Engels
42, C. McGregor (c), Captain, subbed for A. Oxlade-Chamberlain at 78 mins
13, Yang Hyun-Jun, subbed for K. Ịheanachọ at 72 mins
08, B. Nygren
49, J. Forrest, subbed for S. Tounekti at 62 mins
38, D. Maeda
Subs:
31, R. Doohan
41, R. Hatate
02, A. Johnston
14, L. McCowan
47, D. Murray
21, A. Oxlade-Chamberlain
36, M. Saracchi
23, S. Tounekti
17, K. Ịheanachọ
Goals:
D. Maeda (30′, 83′)
K. Tierney (44′)
Assists:
D. Maeda (44′)
S. Tounekti (83′)
Falkirk
Manager: John McGlynn
Formation: 4 – 2 – 3 – 1
Starting lineup
01, N. Hogarth
03, L. McCann,89′, Yellow Card at 89 mins
20, C. Allan
15, L. Neilson
02, K. Adams
08, B. Spencer (c), Captain
21, D. Tait,77′, Yellow Card at 77 mins, subbed for H. Cartwright at 90 mins
29, C. Miller
14, F. Yeats, subbed for E. Ross at 62 mins
11, B. Broggio, subbed for K. Wilson at 62 mins
16, B. Stewart, subbed for B. Parkinson at 80 mins
Subs:
17, H. Cartwright
06, C. Donaldson
07, B. Graham
42, S. Hart
35, J. Hastings
09, R. MacIver
27, B. Parkinson
23, E. Ross
22, K. Wilson,71′, Yellow Card at 71 mins
Goals:
K. Wilson (70′)
Assists:
L. McCann (70′)
Match Officials
Referee: Ryan Lee
Video Assistant Referee: Chris Graham
Assistant Referee 1: Jonathan Bell
Assistant Referee 2: Dougie Potter
Fourth Official: George Calder
Assistant VAR Official: Greg Aitken
Att:
Venue:Celtic Park
Articles
- Match Report (see below)
Pictures
Match Links
Stats
Basic Stats
Overall possession
Celtic 55%
Falkirk 45%
Shots
Celtic 14
Falkirk 11
Shots on target
Celtic 7
Falkirk 3
Total touches inside the opposition box
Celtic 20
Falkirk 17
CEL
FAL
Goalkeeper saves
Celtic 2
Falkirk 4
Aerial duels won
Celtic 23
Falkirk 16
Fouls committed
Celtic 16
Falkirk 10
Corners
Celtic 9
Falkirk 7
In-depth match stats
Attack
Shots
Celtic 14
Falkirk 11
Shots on target
Celtic 7
Falkirk 3
Shots off target
Celtic 2
Falkirk 7
Attempts out of box
Celtic 8
Falkirk 4
Total offsides
Celtic 3
Falkirk 3
Distribution
Total passes
Celtic 446
Falkirk 364
Pass accuracy %
Celtic 78.5
Falkirk 75.8
Backward passes
Celtic 79
Falkirk 56
Forward passes
Celtic 156
Falkirk 150
Total long balls
Celtic 67
Falkirk 70
Successful final third passes
Celtic 75
Falkirk 69
Total crosses
Celtic 22
Falkirk 24
Defence
Total tackles
Celtic 19
Falkirk 7
Won tackle %
Celtic 47.4
Falkirk 57.1
Fouls committed
Celtic 16
Falkirk 10
Total yellow cards
Celtic 2
Falkirk 3
Total clearances
Celtic 37
Falkirk 21
Pre Match Facts
Celtic have won each of their last eight meetings with
Falkirk in all competitions; only once before have they enjoyed a longer winning run over the Bairns, winning 10 in a row from March 1950 to August 1954.
Falkirk have lost 16 of their last 18 visits to Celtic in all competitions (D2) since a 2-0 league win in October 1994 under Jim Jefferies.
Celtic have won their first game after the Scottish Premiership splits in each of the last five seasons, doing so by an aggregate score of 17-1. They last failed to win on MD34 in 2018-19 (0-0 v Hibernian), and last lost in 2017-18 (1-2 v Hibernian).
Falkirk are yet to play out the same result twice in a row away from home in the Scottish Premiership in 2025-26. They won last time out on the road 3-2 at Motherwell, but on the six previous occasions they have won away from home this season, they have followed it up by losing their next away league match five times (D1 – v Rangers in November).
No side has had more high turnovers (256), shot-ending high turnovers (49), pressed sequences (442), or a lower PPDA (opposition passes allowed per defensive action – 9.6) in the Scottish Premiership this season than Celtic.
Articles
BBC
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/c4g6q4lp8m6t
At a glance
Celtic now level on points with leaders Hearts, who visit Hibernian on Sunday
Maeda and Tierney give Celtic 2-0 half-time lead
Wilson responds for Falkirk with stunning strike but Maeda ensures victory
ByMartin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Celtic Park
Celtic moved level on points with Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts as Daizen Maeda’s double and a Kieran Tierney strike secured a vital – and at times nervy – win over Falkirk.
Falkirk impressed for long spells and hauled themselves back into contention when substitute Kyrell Wilson lasered a fierce shot home, but Maeda’s late finish secured victory.
Celtic leapfrogged Rangers by one point, with the Ibrox side hosting Motherwell on Sunday before Hearts travel to face Hibernian.
Home supporters held up a banner reading ‘Spirt of 86’ pre-match, a reference to winning the title on the final day at the expense of Hearts. It seems this fight will go all the way, as it did 40 years ago.
The pace was unrelenting from the off. Accuracy was not quite at that level, though, as neither could create clear-cut chances.
It was the visitors who almost struck first when a clearance fell perfectly for captain Brad Spencer, whose volley from outside the area was superbly tipped beyond the post by Viljami Sinisalo.
John McGlynn’s side then started to dictate play before shooting themselves in the foot.
By now, everyone is surely aware of Maeda’s relentless pressing and threat. Keelan Adams perhaps not so as the Japan striker flew in to block his clearance, raced clear and finished decisively from distance with Nicky Hogarth exposed.
Calvin Miller almost levelled with a volley but when Tierney lashed home a fierce drive shortly before the break, it seemed Celtic would enjoy a comfortable afternoon.
Not so. Yang Hyun-jun thought he had a third when he got in, was blocked and then nodded home but he was marginally offside.
Falkirk stuck at it, consistently threatened and were rewarded with Wilson producing a stunning finish to hand them a lifeline.
But Maeda was alert to find space in the penalty area to place a low finish home to settle the outcome, missing out on a hat-trick when he fired wide with the goal gaping.
More to follow.
Analysis: Maeda the man in crucial title step
In title-run ins, experience of getting over the line counts.
Maeda has that and showed it. Just not nearly enough this season. Both he and Tierney delivered decisive moments that got Celtic over the line here.
Once again, it was far from pretty at times. Once again, it was nervy when it maybe shouldn’t have been but given the limitations that clearly exist in their squad, Celtic showed again they do not lack desire.
Maeda looks to be returning towards the top of his game at a time that is badly needed. He hounded Falkirk all over the pitch and his finish after doing so for the opener was top drawer. The second was equally composed after Celtic Park grew increasingly nervy.
Last week in the Scottish Cup win over St Mirren, Celtic held a two-goal half-time lead only to let that slip.
They could ill-afford to do so again in this title fight and took another crucial step. The pressure now switches to Hearts and Rangers.
Match stats
Falkirk have enjoyed a fantastic season but seem to have hit their first major blip, at least in results.
That said, they have faced Rangers and Celtic in their past two league games and performed exceptionally well at times.
Having secured an excellent top-six finish, their semi-final defeat to Dunfermline most have been sore.
Key injuries left them significantly depleted here with Scott Bain, Liam Henderson and Filip Lissah all absent. One defensive blunder proved very costly but they demonstrated once again the depth of quality they possess.
The visitors repeatedly troubled Celtic and made it an uncomfortable afternoon until conceding the third.
A European place now seems too big a long shot but they will undoubtedly keeping fighting to ensure this sterling campaign does not end with a whimper.
What they said
00:47
Figure caption,
O’Neill makes World Cup case for Forrest
Celtic manager Martin O’Neill: “Tough game today, knew it would be as well too.
“We’re delighted we’ve won, we played some really decent stuff and stuck at it and at a time when Falkirk came roaring into the game. I thought we saw it through, and Daizen Maeda was fantastic.”
Falkirk manager John McGlynn: “It was a big challenge today to see where the players were, it’s been a hard week for us.
“I’m very proud, it was very, very gutsy and brave, the performance. We didn’t sit back, we just tried to take it to Celtic as much as we could.”
01:07
Figure caption,
‘It could become interesting’ – McGlynn
What’s next?
With just four games to go, Celtic visit Hibernian next Sunday (12:00 BST).
Falkirk host Motherwell next Saturday (15:00) looking to keep alive their slim hopes of pushing for a European place.
Daizen at the double as Celtic pick up all three points
#
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/april/25/daizen-at-the-double-as-celtic-pick-up-all-three-points/
First Team
By Matthew Campbell
Share
25 Apr 2026, 7:35 pm
Scottish Premiership
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Celtic Park
CELTIC…3
(Maeda 30 & 82, Tierney 43)
FALKIRK…1
(Wilson 70)
Celtic picked up all three points in their first post-split fixture, with a double from Daizen Maeda and a thunderous finish from Kieran Tierney securing a vital 3-1 win over Falkirk for Martin O’Neill’s men.
Celtic started quickly and fashioned two chances within the opening 10 minutes, the first of which came about as a result of Daizen Maeda’s relentless work-rate which saw him race back in to the Celtic half and sweep the ball away from Dylan Tait before sending the Hoops forward.
Shortly after, Maeda was presented with a half chance when Benjamin Nygren fired the ball towards him at the front post after a well-worked passing move which began deep within Celtic’s half. However, the Japanese forward was unable to connect with the ball and direct it towards goal from a tight angle.
Viljami Sinisalo was called in to action for the first time in the match with just over 20 minutes gone when Brad Spencer fired a shot towards goal from outside the box, but Sinisalo judged the shot from Spencer well and pushed it wide.
A few minutes later Anthony Ralston, who scored a cracker in last weekend’s semi-final against St Mirren, went close to putting Celtic in front with a low curling shot from the edge of the box, but Falkirk keeper Nicky Hogarth was able to make the save down to his left.
On the half-hour mark, Celtic took the lead in emphatic fashion through Daizen Maeda.
His pressure on the St Mirren goalkeeper in last weekend’s semi-final led to a goal within the first minute, and with similar relentless intent this evening, he pressured Falkirk defender Keelan Adams and won the ball back 25 yards from goal before firing a first-time shot beyond Hogarth, making it 1-0 to Celtic.
With half time approaching, Kieran Tierney doubled Celtic’s lead with a blistering strike which rattled the underside of the crossbar on its way in.
Once again, Daizen Maeda played a pivotal role, spinning on the edge of the box to buy himself some space before playing the ball through for Kieran Tierney, who needed no invitation to unleash his shot and fire Celtic into a two-goal lead.
55%
Possession
45%
14
Shots
11
7
Shots On Target
3
9
Corners
7
16
Fouls
10
2
0
Cards
3
0
Ten minutes in to the second half, the Hoops put together a quick counter-attack which saw Callum McGregor carry the ball half the length of the pitch before slipping the ball to Kieran Tierney. He then found James Forrest, but the winger was unable to hit the target from inside the area.
Moments later, Yang had the ball in the back of the net after a clever pass from Benjamin Nygren. Yang’s initial shot was saved, but he put the ball beyond the keeper with a header on the rebound. The offside flag was raised, however, bringing a swift end to the celebrations.
With an hour gone, Martin O’Neill made his first change of the evening, bringing James Forrest off and replacing him with Sebastian Tounekti.
The visitors went close to pulling a goal back in the 65th minute when Kyrell Wilson sent the ball towards Barney Stewart at the front post, but the Falkirk forward was unable to hit the target.
The away side’s next attack saw them cut the deficit. A long ball from Leon McCann reached Kyrell Wilson on the right wing. He did well to bring the ball under control and produced a fine finish beyond Sinisalo.
Martin O’Neill made three changes immediately after the goal, bringing Kieran Tierney, Yang and Anthony Ralston off for Marcelo Saracchi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alistair Johnston, with the latter making his long-awaited return after a lengthy recovery from injury.
There was one further change for the Hoops with 12 minutes to go, with Callum McGregor making way for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
In the 82nd minute, Daizen Maeda restored Celtic’s two-goal advantage with a tidy finish from inside the box. Sebastian Tounekti sent a low ball across Falkirk’s penalty area which reached Maeda and he found the bottom corner with conviction to make it 3-1 to Celtic.
Celtic: Sinisalo, Ralston (Johnston 72′), Trusty, Scales, Tierney (Saracchi 72′), McGregor (Oxlade-Chamberlain 78′), Engels, Forrest (Tounekti 62′), Nygren, Hyunjun Yang (Iheanacho 72′), Maeda
Subs: Johnston, McCowan, Iheanacho, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Tounekti, Doohan, Saracchi, Hatate, Murray
Falkirk: Hogarth, Adams, Neilson, Allan, McCann, Tait (Cartwright 90′), Spencer, Broggio (Wilson 62′), Yeats (Ross 62′), Miller, Stewart (Parkinson 80′)
Subs: Donaldson, Graham, MacIver, Cartwright, Wilson, Ross, Parkinson, Hastings, Hart
Manager’s praise for ‘man of three matches’ Maeda
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/april/25/manager-s-praise-for–man-of-three-matches–maeda/
First Team
By Paul Cuddihy, Celtic View Editor
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25 Apr 2026, 8:19 pm
Celtic successfully negotiated the first of their five post-split fixtures, beating Falkirk 3-1 at home.
Man of the Match Daizen Maeda scored twice and provided an assist for Kieran Tierney to fire home, and the victory puts Celtic joint top of the Premiership table ahead of Sunday’s fixtures.
Speaking after the match Martin O’Neill was full of praise for Celtic’s two-goal hero: “I thought Daizen Maeda’s performance was magnificent individually. He got us a goal out of nothing, which he did last week as well.
“The goal he scored to make it 3-1 was brilliantly-taken, but his whole performance – he was given Man of the Match but it was like the Man of three matches!
“It was great to see Alistair Johnston coming back after all this time out, and he’s obviously a big favourite with the fans, and rightly so for what he’s down for the football club, so he got some minutes under his belt.
“And I think that for some considerable weeks now, maybe with the exception of Tannadice, the players coming on to the field have made a big impact in games and, for instance, James Forrest started today because of the impact he’s made in some of the games.
“Players are coming on and making contributions and that’s really important for the squad.”
Celtic have taken care of business today and can now turn their attentions to the next game on the horizon – a trip to Easter Road to take on Hibernian next Sunday.
Post-match reaction: Kieran Tierney and Daizen Maeda
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/april/25/post-match-reaction–kieran-tierney-and-daizen-mead/
Celtic TV
By Matthew Campbell
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25 Apr 2026, 8:15 pm
Celtic ran out 3-1 winners against Falkirk at Celtic Park on Saturday evening in the Hoops’ first post-split fixture.
The atmosphere inside a sun-soaked Paradise was excellent from the first whistle, and the decibel level rose significantly as Daizen Maeda and Kieran Tierney fired the Hoops in to a 2-0 lead in the first half.
There were some understandable nerves when the visitors slashed the deficit to just one goal with a brilliant finish from Kyrell Wilson in the 70th minute, but any fears about possibly dropping points were put to bed when Daizen Maeda found the back of the net with just under 10 minutes to go.
It could prove to be a huge three points in the context of the title race and speaking to Celtic TV after the match, Kieran Tierney reflected on a good performance from the Bhoys, whilst Daizen Maeda vowed to try and replicate his performance today in the final four games of the league campaign.
Kieran Tierney said: “I thought our performance was good and I thought our pressing was good.
“The first half was a bit frantic for our liking, but we were 2-0 up and tried to control the game a bit better in the second half.
“They got a good goal, but Daizen is on fire. He’s unstoppable. There’s no player like him and when he’s playing like that, it lifts the full team.
“I’m happy to get the goal and the second goal is always crucial, coming right before half-time. I’m delighted for it.”
Daizen Maeda added: “Individually and collectively, we still have space to improve. I will try my best in every game.
“The supporters help us all the time. In these last four games I will try my best to give them everything.”
Supporters Update
https://www.celticfc.com/news/2026/april/24/supporters-update/
Club News
By Celtic Football Club
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24 Apr 2026, 5:36 pm
Following the most recent derby match at Ibrox, Celtic Football Club has engaged in dialogue with Rangers FC with regards to ticketing for the forthcoming game at Celtic Park.
To be clear, we are ready and willing to make the full allocation as normal available to Rangers FC, subject to a condition regarding distribution to a particular section.
Celtic’s priority will always be the safety of those attending Celtic Park, and following a detailed risk assessment with regards to the forthcoming match, the club has made a reasonable request of Rangers FC that tickets are not distributed to a section of supporters which very recently and identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder involving Celtic supporters, staff, police and stewards.
To our surprise and disappointment Rangers have not agreed to this request. Celtic are ready to engage further with the SPFL and Rangers FC on this matter.
Scottish Premiership: Celtic go level on points with Hearts at top of table
Daizen Maeda strikes twice as Celtic beat Falkirk 3-1
Aberdeen seal nervy home win over Kilmarnock
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/apr/25/scottish-premiership-celtic-rangers-aberdeen-kilmarnock
artin O’Neill hailed Daizen Maeda’s return to form after the Japan international drove Celtic to a 3-1 win over Falkirk.
The centre-forward scored twice and set up Kieran Tierney as the Hoops moved level on points with Premiership leaders Hearts. The first two goals were a direct result of Maeda closing down opponents and he finished smartly for the third after substitute Kyrell Wilson had pulled a goal back.
Maeda had sent Celtic on their way to the Scottish Cup final last weekend by charging down a clearance from St Mirren goalkeeper Ryan Mullen to net and he again showed the value of his work ethic.
O’Neill said: “Last week he gets a goal out of nothing from closing down. His closing down is amazing. Even in the 85th minute, he closes someone down. I thought he was brilliant. I was pleased the one that he missed was actually offside, otherwise I’d have killed him. No, you couldn’t have done that today to him.”
The 28-year-old has struggled to recapture the form that yielded 33 club goals last season plus Scotland’s main player of the year awards. Maeda had only scored eight this season before last weekend’s Hampden goal and had not found the net since 10 January. A summer move to Wolfsburg collapsed amid Celtic’s difficulties signing attacking players and O’Neill believes that episode might have had an impact.
O’Neill added: “It may well have been that move to the Bundesliga may have affected him at the time. Maybe he thought he was all set up – or so I believe, I wasn’t here at the time. I think he had maybe done his job here and felt ‘well, maybe I deserve to go to the Bundesliga’. And when it didn’t happen, and apparently it may have been at the 11th hour, there will be a natural disappointment.
“I’m only putting that out – it may not be that at all – but he’s come roaring back. He deserves any accolades that have been bestowed on him over the past few weeks.”
Aberdeen led from the first minute in their vital match against relegation rivals Kilmarnock, but had to hold on for a 1-0 win in a game where their crossbar was struck three times.
Afeez Aremu netted the early opener and while Aberdeen rarely looked like adding a second Killie’s Aaron Tshibola headed off the bar twice, and Jack Milne came close to an own goal when he headed on to his own woodwork.
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The Dons had won their final game before the split, against Hibs, to open up a five-point gap on Kilmarnock who fill the relegation playoff spot and that went some way to easing the tension around the Granite City.
Bottom side Livingston battled for a slim lifeline with a 2-0 win at St Mirren. The Buddies’ emergency keeper Ross Sinclair was making his first start of the season, but it was Livi No 1, Jerome Prior, who made several saves in a first half dominated by Saints.
The visitors improved after the break and in the 67th minute they forced themselves ahead through an Alex Gogic own goal. A strike from substitute Scott Pittman in the 80th minute sealed three points and only Livi’s second league victory of the season since beating Falkirk on 9 August.
Rangers are at home to Motherwell on Sunday, before the leaders visit Hibernian. Dundee United host Dundee in Sunday’s early game.
Rangers fans face ban for derby amid dispute with Celtic
Police at Ibrox StadiumImage source, SNS
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cde519lgd2no
Police had to separate rivals fans at Ibrox in March
Published
24 April 2026
Rangers have asked the Scottish Professional Football League to step in after Celtic refused to give away fans any tickets to the final Old Firm derby of the season unless the Ibrox club’s Union Bears ultras group is banned.
A sub-committee of the SPFL board will meet next week to make a decision before the match on Sunday, 10 May.
The row comes in the aftermath of disorder at the Scottish Cup quarter-final on 8 March, when spectators from both clubs entered the pitch after Celtic won on penalties at the home of their Glasgow rivals.
A Scottish FA investigation, lead by sports event consultant Mark Blackbourne, has yet to report to the governing body.
Now, for the forthcoming match that will help decide who wins a three-pronged title race involving leaders Heart of Midlothian and the two Old Firm sides, Celtic have demanded the exclusion of a section of the Rangers support they claim “identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder”.
Rangers said in a statement: “Celtic FC informed us that they will not provide any tickets for the forthcoming game to our supporters unless we agree not to allocate tickets to members of the Union Bears.
“We have firmly rejected those conditions and have referred the matter to the SPFL board.”
Rangers stress they “have been clear in condemning the actions of certain individuals on 8 March” and on ensuring match safety.
“We have been attempting to work with Celtic to mitigate any security concerns for the upcoming match,” they say.
“At a crucial stage of the season, the removal of away supporters from one of the defining fixtures of the competition would introduce a clear and material sporting imbalance.
“It would also set a precedent with potentially significant consequences for the league in future seasons.
“This game is an opportunity for Scottish football to demonstrate that it can respond constructively to recent events.
“It should be a showcase occasion and a chance to rebuild confidence in how matches of this nature are managed.”
Rangers want the SPFL board to “uphold the integrity of the competition, enforce the rules and ensure that the agreement in place between both clubs is honoured”.
Celtic have responded by stressing they “are ready and willing to make the full allocation as normal available to Rangers FC, subject to a condition regarding distribution to a particular section”.
“Celtic’s priority will always be the safety of those attending Celtic Park and, following a detailed risk assessment with regards to the forthcoming match, the club has made a reasonable request of Rangers FC that tickets are not distributed to a section of supporters which very recently and identifiably engaged in serious violence and disorder involving Celtic supporters, staff, police and stewards,” the reigning champions add.
“To our surprise and disappointment, Rangers have not agreed to this request. Celtic are ready to engage further with the SPFL and Rangers FC on this matter.”
Celtic 3-1 Falkirk: More defensive woes as Kyrell Wilson stakes starting claim with wonder strike
By Robbie Hill
https://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/football/celtic-3-1-falkirk-more-defensive-woes-as-kyrell-wilson-stakes-starting-claim-with-wonder-strike-7590910
Published 25th Apr 2026, 20:39 BST
Falkirk rally after conceding cheap goals but lose 3-1 to Celtic in Scottish Premiership.
Falkirk fell to an unfortunate 3-1 defeat at Parkhead on Saturday evening in the Scottish Premiership. A stunner from Swansea City loanee Kyrell Wilson handed The Bairns a lifeline heading into the closing stages, but a late Daizen Maeda goal was enough to keep all three points in Glasgow. Poor defending ultimately cost them against Martin O’Neil’s side.
It was a slow start to the game at Parkhead which saw very little chances created for either side. Celtic were dominant in possession, but Falkirk were holding up well, dealing with a handful of crosses and frustrating the hosts, who were struggling to break through.
A well-struck full volley from the Falkirk skipper, Brad Spencer, was the first real chance of the game. The ball fell the way of Spencer at the edge of the area following a deflection, and his resulting effort forced Sinisalo to make a brilliant save low to his left.
Kyrell Wilson climbed off the bench to score for Falkirk against Celtic (Photo: Craig Foy/SNS Group)
Kyrell Wilson climbed off the bench to score for Falkirk against Celtic (Photo: Craig Foy/SNS Group)
A frantic spell followed, with McGlynn’s side piling pressure onto the hosts. A series of crosses were delivered into the Celtic area, but some solid defending from the hosts ensured the scores remained level.
Despite Falkirk’s impressive display, a defensive slip-up on the half-hour mark gave Daizen Maeda a free run at goal. The Celtic striker made no mistake and slotted it beyond Hogarth from distance to put the hosts ahead.
Falkirk recovered well and created a few half chances as the game headed towards the interval, but a swift attack from Martin O’Neil’s side saw them double their lead with a vital goal on the stroke of half time.
Maeda unleashed Kieran Tierney down the left wing with a great pass; the left-back got the ball out of his feet before firing it in off the crossbar, leaving Hogarth with no chance.
The first big chance of the second half came the way of Barney Stewart, as he rushed to meet a Kyrell Wilson cross which he couldn’t quite direct goalwards.
Kyrell Wilson added to his fine performance, scoring a fantastic goal to give Falkirk something to play for in the closing stages.
The winger took an excellent touch to bring down a looping long ball, he was forced into a tight angle but that didn’t stop him from firing a thunderous volley past Sinisalo with twenty minutes to play.
Celtic were ruthless, though, and added a third with just under ten minutes left on the clock. It was another poor one for Falkirk to concede, as a simple cutback was met by an unmarked Maeda, who slotted it into the corner to kill the game.
A couple more half chances followed but, in the end, the hosts claimed all three points to keep them in the title race. As for Falkirk, they are now hoping for a favour from leaders Hearts tomorrow in the Edinburgh Derby.
Team information: Celtic 3-1 Falkirk
Celtic Starting XI: Viljami Sinsisalo, Liam Scales, Auston Trusty, Benjamin Nygren, Hyunjun Yang, Arne Engles, Daizen Maeda (31’, 83’), Callum McGregor ©, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston, and Kieran Tierney (43’).
Substitutes: Ross Doohan, Alistair Johnston, Luke McCowan, Kelechi Iheanacho, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sebastian Tounekti, Marcelo Saracchi, Reo Hatate, and Dane Murray.
Falkirk Starting XI: Nicky Hogarth, Keelan Adams, Lean McCann, Brad Spencer ©, Ben Broggio, Finn Yeats, Lewis Neilson, Barney Stewart, Connor Allan, Dylan Tait, and Calvin Miller.
Substitutes: Joe Hastings, Coll Donaldson, Brian Graham, Ross MacIver, Henry Cartwright, Kyrell Wilson (70’), Ethan Ross, Ben Parkinson, and Sam Hart.
Referee: Ryan Lee
Assistant Referees: Johnathan Bell and Dougie Potter
Fourth Official: George Calder