Celtic’s 3-2 win over Motherwell was anything but routine, with late drama sealing three points in a frantic finish.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have faced criticism for being dull in recent weeks, but Sunday’s second half was wide open and full of chances at both ends.
It did not necessarily mean Celtic were much better overall – it was just more eventful because of how Motherwell approached the match.
Maeda’s late winner could spark positive momentum and help regain fan trust, as the game concluded in an atmosphere of joy, a stark contrast to how things had been earlier.
Hugh Keevins on the Celtic crowd at Motherwell match
There have been points this season where the mood inside Celtic Park has shifted between frustration and indifference.
The team’s form has not helped, but what has been clearer is how supporters feel about those running the club.
Hugh Keevins spoke about the atmosphere on Clyde Superscoreboard, noting there was an unusual level of tension among fans.
He also shared what he had heard the fans saying about Rodgers during the game: “I was told by people that were there – in the crowd, not in the press box – it was the most un-Celtic like atmosphere inside the ground.
“At 2-1 down, there was anxiety. One pal of mine even texted me with the name of the man he thinks should be the next Celtic manager.
“So that was at 2-1 down. At 3-2, it was all different.”
The match was not easy viewing for either set of fans – but for those in green and white, it finished on a high note.
Recent atmosphere at Celtic Park
A meeting scheduled for Monday led the Celtic Fans Collective to postpone a planned silent protest, which was initially organized due to persistent communication problems with the club’s board.
When performances dip, frustration tends to shift towards the board, whose popularity is currently as low as it has ever been.
It is still unclear what impact, if any, that meeting will have going forward.
An improvement in trust would go a long way towards improving the atmosphere around the club. It is now up to the board to take that next step.
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