Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

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.

Maeda had just 33 touches of the ball against Falkirk – the least of any outfield player to play 90 minutes for either team.

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.

“Celtic could – and should – sell Hatate and Maeda this window and it wouldn’t make much difference,” the X user wrote.

“Two players who’ve been here too long and could not be less arsed about playing these games.”

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.