Ten-man Hibs came up just short against reigning champions Celtic at Easter Road, the home side losing 2-1 in a game that impacts on their own hopes of qualifying for Europe. A fourth red card in three games, Jamie McGrath joining the hall of shame inside the opening 20 minutes of a bizarre contest at Easter Road, was the main talking point on a day of multiple VAR checks and mixed emotions among the home support.
Victory for Celtic puts them level with Hearts at the top of the table. But, after a week of talk about whether Hibs would lie down to hurt their old rivals, the visitors were made to work.
Ahead through Daizen Maeda, they were pegged back by Joe Newell. And needed Kelechi Iheanacho’s winner 20 minutes from time to get the job done – in unconvincing fashion. They were given every chance to win this game … right from the opening exchanges.
Gray would have been hoping for basic competence, at least, from his players. Do nothing daft, lads.
After surviving a VAR check for a Celtic penalty appeal early on, the manager surely feared the worst when he saw referee David Dickinson running across – at the behest of video assistant Don Robertson – to review McGrath’s touchline challenge on Alistair Johnston. The man in charge needed only a quick look before reaching for his red card.
At least Hibs were well practice in playing with 10 men, right? But an already dismal game, from a home fans’ perspective, just became all the tougher.
When Celtic took the lead five minutes from half-time, Maeda’s goal standing after a VAR check for offside, it looked as if Hibs supporters were in for an even longer afternoon. But it was just getting interesting.
Celtic’s defence was terrible, their inability to clear a series of crosses costing them dear in first-half injury time, as Newell rifled the ball home in a crowded penalty box. The goal was checked first for offside and then for a potential handball before being allowed to stand.
Hibs dug in and fought hard. But were undone by Iheanacho’s finish at a corner. And could not find a way to draw level even against a wobbling Celtic.
5. RWB Kanayo Megwa 6/10
Kept hold of the jersey in place of the suspended Felix Passlack. Still not the most polished player – but defended with grit. | SNS Group
6. CM Miguel Chaiwa 6.5/10
Another all-action performance against the odds from the most athletic midfielder in the top flight. | SNS Group
7. CM Joe Newell 7/10
Great moment for the skipper, who scored his first goal since November 2024 to level things up in first-half injury time. | SNS Group
8. LWB Nicky Cadden 5/10
Replaced by Obita at half-time, having been given very little opportunity to impact on the game. | SNS Group