Inside the reported fallout between Reo Hatate and Martin O’Neill ahead of Scottish Cup final disappointment

Reo Hatate’s absence from recent matchday squads at Celtic F.C. has sparked speculation, with claims emerging that the midfielder may have experienced an unseen fallout with manager Martin O’Neill.

The Japanese midfielder, who had previously been an influential figure for Celtic under both Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers following his arrival in Glasgow in January 2022, has found opportunities increasingly limited in recent months. Hatate, 26, has struggled for regular involvement since O’Neill’s arrival and has not started a match since Celtic’s defeat to Dundee United in March.

Instead, the midfielder was restricted to only a handful of substitute appearances before the campaign came to an end, raising questions over his future at Parkhead. Concerns grew further when Hatate was left out of the squad entirely for Celtic’s final Premiership clash against Hearts, before also missing out on selection for the Scottish Cup final victory over Dunfermline.

Former Celtic favourite Frank McAvennie has now suggested there could be more to the story. Speaking on his podcast, McAvennie claimed he had heard of a disagreement between Hatate and O’Neill, hinting that an issue behind the scenes may explain the midfielder’s sudden disappearance from the team.

McAvennie praised O’Neill for making an immediate impact after stepping back into management, highlighting the work he had done to reconnect with players and revive performances within the squad. He pointed specifically to the improvement of winger Daizen Maeda, though admitted he would have liked to see Hatate rediscover his best form as well.

According to McAvennie, something may have occurred between the pair, although no specific details have emerged publicly. With Hatate’s role diminishing significantly and transfer speculation beginning to intensify, the possibility of a summer departure is now growing stronger.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Hatate, Celtic ended the season on a high, securing league success and lifting the Scottish Cup, with O’Neill overseeing a successful opening chapter back in the dugout.