Celtic fans fume with ‘baffling’ Martin O’Neill decision vs Falkirk – ‘It’s going to ruin his career’
Celtic continued their winning start since Martin O’Neill’s return on Wednesday with a nervy 1-0 victory over Falkirk.
The Hoops were far from their best, with Kasper Schmeichel forced to bail out Celtic multiple times.
Nevertheless, the Old Firm outfit secured the three points as they remained three points behind Hearts at the summit.
While some of O’Neill’s decisions were strange, many fans were unhappy with the omission of Stephen Welsh, who did not even get onto the bench for the Falkirk clash.
Celtic fans fume at Stephen Welsh omission in Falkirk win
Welsh was recently recalled by Celtic from his loan at Motherwell.
The centre-back was having a highly successful time at the Steelmen as they looked to qualify for European football.
Yet, this time was soon ended this week, with Celtic bringing the defender back to the club to cover their current injuries.
However, against Falkirk, Welsh was nowhere to be seen, with fans now accusing the Hoops of potentially ruining the defender’s career.
It’s baffling
— G__7__S (@G__S__7) January 14, 2026
It’s only gonna ruin his career
— Bricky🧱 (@Bricky67_) January 14, 2026
There is/ was no point
— EM (@EdBhoy1888) January 14, 2026
The point is we need cover in case of an injury until we sign a new cb
— gwsnr73 (@gwsnr_73) January 14, 2026
Nevertheless, many fans have argued that if Welsh was brought on, he couldn’t be sold or loaned out to another club as players can only play for three sides in one season.
No Stephen Welsh on the bench for Celtic tonight suggests that either:
— Andy McDougall (@anmcd90) January 14, 2026
a) he could be leaving permanently this window
b) if Celtic sign a centre back, he’s going straight back to Motherwell
We recall Stephen Welsh, who’s reigniting his career at Motherwell, only for him to not even make the sub bench, with Murray picked instead. Celtic are making a habit of ruining players careers.
— Kyōdo-giri 匈奴斬 (@Mikeusernameetc) January 14, 2026
If he plays for us we can’t sell him he can’t play for 3 clubs in a season
— Andy (@AndyA_88) January 14, 2026
Martin O’Neill: Celtic are looking to make more signings this month
For Celtic fans, many are eager to see further activity this month as they continue to fight for the title.
Both Hearts and Rangers have made multiple additions this month, which may potentially give them an edge later in the season.
- Celtic have not been very active in the January transfer window to date
- Julian Araujo remains their only addition, with the defender joining on loan from Bournemouth
- This is despite Hearts and Rangers bringing in multiple signings already this month
However, Celtic have had a timid start to January, with only Araujo officially through the door as it stands.
With the Falkirk performance showing clearly that upgrades are needed to the squad, O’Neill is hopeful that these can come through the door quickly.
Thanks for the support tonight, Celts 👏#FALCEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/NroOgzz3DY
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 14, 2026
When asked about making more signings this month, he told BBC Sport on 14 January: “We’re hoping to do so. That’s pretty necessary. We’re making progress on things and certainly by the end of the window we should have some players to supplement this squad.
“There are reports about a lot of…I seem to get five or six per day. We are trying to make ground and we’re doing pretty well I think.
“I thought my time was done here, so I wasn’t expecting to pick up the pieces again and look at players.
“Just give us a little bit of time, cut me a little bit of slack and we’ll be ok. The focus is to try and win some football matches, but the other aspect to it is to try to add to the squad if we can do.
“To add a bit of extra quality to help the players out here.”