Tension is building around Celtic after footage from a training ground incident involving manager Martin O’Neil began circulating widely across social media. The clip, which has quickly gone viral among Scottish football fans, appears to show the Celtic boss angrily confronting one of his players during a heated moment in training.
According to several reports and eyewitness accounts from those present at the session, O’Neil lost his temper with forward Daizen Maeda after what was described as a frustrating training performance. In the video that is now spreading rapidly online, the manager can allegedly be heard shouting at the Japanese international in front of teammates.
“Maybe we should just loan you to Dundee United if this is the level you’re bringing,” O’Neil reportedly said during the exchange. “You are not at the standards we expect here.”
The comment has sparked immediate backlash, particularly from Dundee United supporters who believe their club was used disrespectfully in the remark. Fans from the Tannadice side quickly flooded social media with criticism, arguing that the Celtic manager’s words undermined their club while publicly humiliating a professional player.
Many Dundee United supporters insisted that such comments from a high-profile manager should not go unchecked. Some have even called on Scottish football authorities to review the incident and potentially take action, describing the remarks as “disrespectful to another club and to the player involved.”
Meanwhile, the situation has also divided the Celtic fanbase. Some supporters defended O’Neil, claiming the manager was simply demanding higher standards from his squad as the club pushes for success this season. Others, however, believe the incident could damage morale within the dressing room and create unnecessary tension around Maeda.
The player himself has not publicly commented on the situation, and Celtic have yet to release an official statement addressing the viral footage.
As the clip continues to circulate across football platforms and social media, the controversy surrounding the training ground confrontation shows no sign of slowing down. What was initially an intense moment behind closed doors has now become one of the most talked-about stories in Scottish football, leaving many wondering whether Martin O’Neil’s words will have lasting consequences.