Credit: Imago
Thu 15 January 2026 11:45, UK
Celtic fans have expressed their huge frustration with Daizen Maeda after the forward failed to leave any impression on Wednesday’s win over Falkirk.
Benjamin Nygren‘s goal saw Celtic beat Falkirk 1-0 at Falkirk Stadium, placing them back above Rangers and back on the tails of Hearts.
Martin O’Neill‘s return has seen an immediate upturn in results for the Bhoys, but Wednesday’s performance left a lot to be desired.
Maeda was terrible against Falkirk, especially, but several other players appeared to coast through the game.
Celtic are assessing several strikers to sign in January, as they look to bolster O’Neill’s front-line with a more efficient goal-scorer.
Celtic fans lambast Daizen Maeda
Celtic have considered selling Maeda in the coming months, after the striker attempted to leave the club in the summer.
And while the Japan international has scored eight goals and provided seven assists across all competitions this season, there is some concern over his commitment.
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Maeda had just 33 touches of the ball against Falkirk – the least of any outfield player to play 90 minutes for either team.
Daizen Maedavs FalkirkMinutes played90Accurate passes13/18Chances created0Passes into final third1Duels won2/7
And with those touches, he took just two shots, misplaced several passes and was dispossessed twice.
The striker also lost five of his seven duels, was dribbled past once, and committed two fouls while only drawing one on himself.
Celtic fans took to social media following the game and were hugely critical of Maeda, with one describing his performance as “atrocious”.
Another criticised both the striker and his fellow Japan international Reo Hatate, who he claimed should both be sold.
Maeda has been terrible for some time now. Yes he might run about but he brings nothing to the team anymore. His heads elsewhere 💯 🍀
— celtic Jaime 🍀 (@celtic_jaime) January 14, 2026
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Celtic could – and should – sell Hatate and Maeda this window and it wouldn’t make much difference. Two players who’ve been here too long and could not be less arsed about playing these games.
— Kyōdo-giri 匈奴斬 (@Mikeusernameetc) January 14, 2026
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I would sell Maeda this window and use the funds to bring in better quality, he’s been absolutely honking this season and has already downed tools for me. Performance tonight proves this. ☘️
— 🇰🇵🇨🇳🇷🇺Arne Pengels (Joe Musashi)🇷🇺🇨🇳🇰🇵 (@TheBaldKyogo) January 14, 2026
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Maeda has a first touch like a giraffe on roller skates. Tounetki has only one dribble technique and no strength. We have no striker. We have no game changing subs. Trusty and Scales play suicide passes across the back. We passed backwards for most of the game. Class.
— P (@Paul_Bryce88) January 14, 2026
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“Celtic could – and should – sell Hatate and Maeda this window and it wouldn’t make much difference,” the X user wrote.
maeda is worse than a man down either drop him or slap him
— fole (@fole16977709) January 14, 2026
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Maeda’s just going through the motions in a Celtic jersey now.
Can’t watch much more of it.
— Ce Ann (@BeinnMartin) January 14, 2026
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Maeda playing for himself, looking like a guy not wanting to get injured in case he gets his move!
— Stephen Herson (@Herson_7) January 14, 2026
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“Two players who’ve been here too long and could not be less arsed about playing these games.”
Maeda is atrocious at the minute
— Wull See (@thEnd0fTheStorm) January 14, 2026
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Japanese boys have passed expiry
Both Maeda and Hatate are expired Celtic players . Both need shifted
Although will likely be in the summer
— @RabCorbett (@RabCorbett2) January 14, 2026
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Also I’d be looking to get rid of Maeda and Hatate this window too if there are interested parties and replace with players that actually seem like they want to be here
— Asim Rabbani (@asimrabbani) January 14, 2026
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Others shared a similar sentiment, with one claiming that “Maeda;s just going through the motions in a Celtic jersey now”, while another said he’d be looking to “get rid” this month.
What Martin O’Neill said about Falkirk win
Ultimately, results are of the utmost importance to Celtic, and they are what led to Wilfried Nancy‘s departure.
O’Neill has already managed to turn that round for his team, and the performances can be expected to follow them in due time.
“In the first half they [Falkirk] had some good chances that on another night they might have scored,” he said after the game.
“We were fortunate to go in at half-time 1-0 in front, we hadn’t played particularly well.”
“Overall I’m delighted to have won the game but we can play much better,” O’Neill added. The transfer market will play a part in that, and Celtic must ensure that they get it right.