Celtic’s Most Overrated Player: Fans Roast Hoops Star After ‘Unforgivable’ Display in Motherwell Defeat

Celtic suffered a shocking defeat to Motherwell on December 30, 2025, sparking fury among fans who singled out one star player as the most overrated in the squad. The match at Excelsior Stadium ended in heartbreak for the Hoops, with underdogs Motherwell pulling off a stunning upset despite Celtic's second-place standing in the Scottish Premiership (12-2-4, 38 points).[3][1] Motherwell, sitting fourth (7-9-3, 30 points), capitalized on Celtic's woes under new boss Wilfried Nancy, whose horror start continued with this loss—marking a potential fourth straight defeat amid recent struggles.[5][1]

The game was billed as a key clash, but Celtic's performance crumbled, echoing past encounters like their 3-2 thriller win earlier in the season where Daizen Maeda's late heroics saved the day.[2] This time, no such drama favored the visitors. Fans erupted online, roasting Daizen Maeda as the prime culprit behind the "unforgivable" display. The Japanese forward, with 16 matches and 5 assists this term, was accused of ghosting the pitch—failing to track back, missing chances, and offering zero threat upfront.[1][2] Social media lit up with brutal takedowns: "Maeda is Celtic's most overrated player—paid big wages for jogging," one supporter fumed. "Unforgivable laziness cost us the game," blasted another, calling for his sale in January.[1]

Critics pointed to Maeda's dip under Nancy, contrasting his prior form under Brendan Rodgers. Teammates like Kieran Tierney (15 matches, 3 assists) and top scorer T Maswanhise (17 matches, 8 goals for Motherwell) shone, but Celtic's defense leaked under pressure.[1] Nancy, still seeking consistency after a 3-1 win over 10-man Aberdeen, faces mounting pressure as Celtic trail leaders Hearts (41 points).[1] Fan podcasts and forums dubbed Maeda "done at Celtic," with calls for youth integration. Head-to-head history favors Celtic (e.g., 4-0 in Dec 2024), making this slip-up all the more galling.[1][3]

The defeat piles on Celtic's midseason turmoil, with chair Peter Lawwell's recent exit amid boardroom drama adding fuel. Fans demand accountability—will Maeda be the sacrificial lamb?[1]

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