Martin O’Neill’s post-match reaction on Celtic TV

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.”FixturesCeltic Vs. Hibernian – Sun, Feb 22nd 2026, 15:00