Celtic face Stuttgart task as Trusty ban upheld, O’Neill hits out at VAR
O’Neill brands Auston Trusty’s Hibs red ‘ridiculous’ after failed appeal, says VAR is ‘debilitating’ for referees. Trusty banned for three Premiership games, missing the Old Firm at Ibrox.
Barry Ferguson urges Rangers to play two strikers against Celtic’s makeshift defence, citing Carter-Vickers injury and Trusty ban, and says a win would be a title ‘statement’.
Danish pundit Jannick Liburd says Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel is ‘not good enough anymore’ after errors vs Stuttgart and domestically, urging Denmark to consider Mads Hermansen.
Celtic have contacted Chivas over 22-year-old striker Armando Gonzalez after 17 goals this season, but face competition from Premier League clubs and Barcelona ahead of the summer window.
Report questions lack of follow-up after Celtic said three employees were ‘assaulted’ at Celtic Park post-St Mirren defeat, contrasting it with swift action over an October incident.
On 26 Feb: Celtic beat Dundee 3-0 (1916), St Mirren 5-2 (1955), Slovan Bratislava 1-0 (1964), lost 0-1 to Stirling Albion (1966), and beat Teplice 3-0 with Larsson brace (2004).
UEFA report lists Celtic among Europe’s top four for 2025 pre-tax profit at £47m, driven by €48m UEFA revenue, €59m gate and €36m merchandising, with Champions League run boosting cash reserves.
O’Neill says only Julian Araujo stayed home as Celtic chase 4-1 Stuttgart deficit. He rejects ‘weakened’ tag, vows to attack, and reiterates frustration over Trusty’s suspension.
Chris Sutton tips Hearts for the title, doubts Celtic’s strength and January recruitment, and says all three contenders will drop points before the Ibrox derby.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez, linked with Celtic after Martin O’Neill’s exit, says he would only leave international football for the ‘right project’ with board backing and clarity.
