“Controversy Unveiled: Daizen Maeda’s Innocence Amidst Rangers Celebration Uproar Sparks Debate…Read more
“Daizen Maeda asserts innocence amidst Rangers celebration controversy, while Celtic fans highlight double standard with Ibrox incident reference”
Daizen Maeda, a winger for Celtic, maintains he was unaware that his celebration with Celtic supporters following a goal against Rangers would result in a booking.
The Japan international sidestepped James Tavernier’s scrutiny to send a dangerous pass in from the left flank, which John Lundstram deflected into his own net with a knee outstretched. After observing the Rangers player put the ball past Jack Butland, Maeda dashed into the crowd, vaulting into a steward’s arms before being surrounded by the home throng.
Referee Willie Collum took issue with the forward’s celebration and gave him a yellow card. However, Maeda has dismissed the booking on social media, claiming he had no idea that he had breached the rule by turning to the fans. The Celtic hero shared a photo of one of the scenes on X and commented, “I didn’t realise that you receive a yellow card if you go up to the crowd! Well, whatever.”
However, some Celtic supporters have argued that the incident demonstrates unfairness given that Cyriel Dessers escaped a similar booking during last month’s 3–3 draw at Ibrox. Before VAR disqualified his goal, the forward would whirl away and celebrate with the Rangers supporters after finding the net.
John Beaton chose to keep his yellow card in his pocket at the time. One fan said, “It depends on which team you play for!” in response to Maeda on X.
“Depends on the shirt you wear,” jokingly said another. “No booking at Ibrox for Dessers,” concluded a devoted fan of the Celtics. We still think the world of you!”
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