“Get Martin O’Neill a statue. I’d love to see him stay for another season.”
Celtic fans have reacted to the side clinching five-in-a-row after a dramatic 3-1 win over Hearts, with some clambering for Martin O’Neil to receive a statue.
The game could have seen the Jambos secure the title after 66 years, but instead, it’s boss Martin O’Neill who pulled off a major comeback after the club’s poor start to the season. Derek McInnes’ side were in the lead come the 42nd minute after a goal from captain Lawrence Shankland. But it didn’t last long after Celtic’s Arne Engels scored a penalty before half-time.
Maeda scored a goal during the 86th minute, which went to VAR for possible offside. After a nervous wait, Robertson gave the goal. With around two minutes left, Hearts sent their goalie forward to pack the Celtic box for a set-piece. But the free-kick was cleared, allowing Callum Osmand to run the length of the pitch and score a cool-as-you-like third goal, making Celtic champions.
It’s O’Neill’s fourth title win after victories in 2001, 2002 and 2004. And the Celtic fans who spoke to our sister title Glasgow Live couldn’t be happier after leaving the match.
Shaun Tait, 17, from Ayr, said: “Champions do as champions do. We get the win. It’s been a mental season. Get Martin O’Neill a statue. I’d love to see him stay for another season.”
Nicola McFarland, 40, and Chloe, 13, from Kelvindale, told how the game was a special moment for her and her daughter: “The atmosphere was incredible. I think we had our scarves over our faces for half of the game because it was so nervous.
“The second half was something else. The game summed up the whole season. But what a way to end it.
“This is my daughter’s first time seeing us lift a trophy, so it’s very special.”
Joe Duffy, 43, who drove up from Peterborough despite not having a ticket to the game, said: “I didn’t see us winning the game as the game went on. But we always give that extra.
“It’s phenomenal how O’Neil has got us playing. We found our way to win and that has been the story of the season. The comeback has been phenomenal this season.”
Mark Thompson, 37, from Ardrossan, told how it had been an ’emotional season‘, he said: “It’s been a really difficult season. It’s been all over the place.
“It wasn’t pretty or easy to watch, but seeing us win was euphoric and such a relief. O’Neill is the best manager of my lifetime. When I got into Celtic, he was the pinnacle of it. It’s phenomenal to see him win it again and close this difficult season.”
Mark Macleod, 36, from Stornaway, said: “It’s been an unbelievable week. European atmosphere at a domestic game. Everyone, keep believing. It’s the first season that my friends have had season tickets and it looked gloomy at times.
“But it was worth it at the end. To see the team with the trophy was unbelievable.”
John, 51, and Yvonne, 52, from Wick added: “It was mental. The last five minutes were unbelievable.”
As fans swarm Glasgow’s Trongate area, Police Scotland announced a number of roads are closed as a result. Officers say the Gallowgate is closed between Watson Street and High Street. London Road is also closed between Glasgow Cross and James Morrison Street.
However, High Street and Saltmarket remain open. The public is being asked to avoid the Trongate area where possible.
Police say a ‘comprehensive policing is in place which is focused on ensuring public safety and minimising disruption to the public’. They are also warning that Glasgow City Centre will be much busier than normal and to plan travel in advance.
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