Daizen Maeda has turned to social media with an apology following his late dismissal in Celtic’s dramatic 1-0 win over Young Boys, a victory that booked the club’s first appearance in the Champions League knockouts in twelve years.
Writing on X, the Japanese winger said: “Thank you for your support. I’m really sorry for causing trouble to the team in such a wonderful atmosphere. I’ll continue to do my best for the team. Congratulations to all the Celtic fans and supporters.”
Maeda saw red in the closing stages after a VAR check deemed his clash with Mohamed Ali Camara to be violent conduct.
It was a flash of frustration in an otherwise tireless display, leaving Celtic to play the final minutes with ten men.
Despite the setback, Brendan Rodgers’ side held firm, their resilience carrying them over the line to secure qualification with a match to spare.
The atmosphere at Celtic Park swung between tension and jubilation, but the outcome was everything the supporters had waited over a decade for.
Maeda’s contribution to this campaign has been immense. His energy, pressing, and selfless running have been central to Celtic’s success in Europe.
One dismissal cannot erase months of consistency, and the manager is unlikely to be critical of a player who has given so much.
Fans quickly made their feelings clear online—his apology was welcomed, but perhaps unnecessary. Supporters praised his honesty and thanked him for his role in delivering a milestone night for the club.
With Celtic already assured of a place in the last 16, Maeda will have ample opportunity to redeem himself. Wednesday’s story will ultimately be remembered not for his red card, but for the history Celtic made.