Celtic hero Daizen Maeda has found himself at the center of a storm of controversy following a fiery social media post aimed at rivals Rangers FC — a post he quickly deleted, but not before it sent shockwaves across the football world.
The Japanese forward was in electrifying form during the latest installment of the iconic Old Firm Derby, scoring twice in a commanding performance that helped Celtic FC secure a memorable victory over their fierce Glasgow rivals. But while his goals did the talking on the pitch, it was what happened afterward that truly ignited controversy.
Shortly after the final whistle, Maeda took to social media in what appeared to be a celebratory post. However, fans quickly noticed a sharp and brutal dig seemingly directed at Rangers. Though the exact wording varied in reports, the tone was unmistakable — a message that many interpreted as mocking Rangers’ performance and questioning their status in Scottish football.
Within minutes, screenshots of the post began circulating online. Despite Maeda deleting it shortly after publishing, the damage had already been done. Supporters from both sides flooded social media platforms, with reactions ranging from amusement to outrage.
Celtic fans largely embraced the moment, praising Maeda’s passion and commitment to the club. Many saw the post as a reflection of the fierce rivalry that defines the Old Firm, celebrating his boldness after delivering on the pitch. For them, it was another example of a player fully understanding what it means to wear the famous green and white.
On the other hand, Rangers supporters were far from impressed. Many labeled the post as disrespectful and unnecessary, accusing Maeda of crossing the line. Some even called for disciplinary action, arguing that such comments only fuel hostility in an already intense rivalry.
Pundits and former players have also weighed in on the situation. While some defended Maeda’s right to celebrate a big win in his own way, others warned about the potential consequences of such public statements. The Old Firm rivalry is one of the most heated in world football, and moments like this only add further fuel to the fire.
Interestingly, neither Celtic nor Rangers have issued an official statement regarding the incident at the time of writing. However, insiders suggest that Celtic’s management may have already spoken to Maeda privately, advising him to be more cautious with his online presence moving forward.
This is not the first time a player has found themselves in trouble over social media activity, but the timing and context of Maeda’s post have amplified its impact. In an era where every word is scrutinized and shared instantly, even a brief message can have lasting consequences.
Despite the controversy, one thing remains undeniable — Maeda’s performance on the pitch was nothing short of sensational. His relentless energy, pressing, and clinical finishing proved decisive, further cementing his importance to Celtic’s attacking force.
As the dust begins to settle, the incident serves as a reminder of the power and pitfalls of social media in modern football. For Maeda, it may be a lesson learned the hard way. For fans, it’s yet another chapter in a rivalry that never fails to deliver drama — both on and off the pitch.
One thing is certain: even though the post is gone, its impact will not be forgotten anytime soon.