Celtic fans say the same thing about Reo Hatate as ‘dreadful’ full stats emerge from Stuttgart clash
Celtic fans have had enough of Reo Hatate after their 4-2 aggregate defeat to Stuttgart in the Europa League knockout playoffs.
Despite going into the second leg 3-1 down, the Hoops had a small hope of a comeback when Luke McCowan netted within the first minutes to reduce the deficit.
However, Celtic struggled to muster much else as the German side saw out their lead with ease.
While Martin O’Neill did make a series of changes to the lineup, the travelling fans were still disappointed with some stars, including Hatate, who struggled to open up Stuttgart’s defence.
A win on the night but our #UEL campaign comes to a close.#VfBStuttgartCeltic | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/ktexk7btVZ
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 26, 2026
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VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUBCeltic fans have seen enough of Reo Hatate after Europa League knockout
Hatate has often been ridiculed by Celtic’s fanbase this season.
The 28-year-old has struggled to rekindle the form he has previously shown at the Hoops, and has often become a passenger in O’Neill’s side.
As a result, he was dropped from the starting XI in recent matches, as Celtic look to recover their season.
However, in the season leg, he was given a chance to find his form, something that clearly did not happen.
Celtic fans were furious with the display and quickly took to X to demand that O’Neill simply stop giving the midfielder minutes, with it being clear that he is now past his best.
Release Reo Hatate’s contract maybe even Daizen Maeda aswell, They just don’t care anymore.
— Ronan (@RG_CELTIC) February 26, 2026
Hatate and Maeda really cannot start on Sunday.
— 🍀 (@GlasgowGandW) February 26, 2026
Never want to see hatate in a Celtic shirt again
— Joseph 🏴🇮🇪 (@rudden67) February 26, 2026
Hatate irritates me so much man.
— Dan (@McCormack_90) February 26, 2026
Hatate so far should be nowhere near Sunday.
— Joebhoy (@GarngadBhoy88) February 26, 2026
Hatate dreadful again tonight
— Tigertim Esq (@asmallteaser) February 26, 2026
Playing with 10 men, Hatate invisible again. Get Nygrenaldo on
— Bernardo Enthusiast (@WoodIsBad1) February 26, 2026
How bad was Reo Hatate against Stuttgart?
According to Fotmob on 26 February, Hatate certainly had a game to forget.
The midfielder struggled throughout, as he failed to create a single chance, had just one shot and lost all of his ground duels before he was taken off after 78 minutes.
While he did make some defensive contributions, producing six recoveries and two clearances, it was not enough to impress.
As a result, O’Neill has to look at other options in his midfield.
| Reo Hatate’s stats vs Stuttgart | |
| Minutes | 78 |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 0 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Clearances | 2 |
Now that they are out of the Europa League, all of the focus will be on the Scottish Cup and the Scottish Premiership title race.
If Hatate continues to ghost in games, it could be detrimental and prevent the Hoops from winning either of the trophies.
As a result, a long period on the bench may be for the best, with it being clear that he cannot start in Sunday’s Old Firm derby.
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