Celtic suffer title blow as Hibernian end O’Neill’s unbeaten return
Martin O’Neill has suffered his first domestic defeat since returning to Celtic after Hibernian secured a dramatic 2-1 victory to damage the champions’ title retention hopes.
Substitute Kai Andrews struck a winner three minutes from time to earn the visitors their first triumph at Celtic Park since 2010.
The hosts were forced to play the final 17 minutes with 10 men after defender Auston Trusty received a straight red card for violent conduct.
This damaging result leaves the Hoops trailing league leaders Hearts by six points ahead of a pivotal run of fixtures.
Discipline costs champions dear
The home side made the worst possible start to proceedings in Glasgow.
Felix Passlack opened the scoring for the Edinburgh club after just 24 minutes, heading in a sublime cross from Nicky Cadden.
It could have been worse for the champions moments later, but Martin Boyle wasted a clear opportunity to double the lead instead of squaring to unmarked team-mates.
Celtic responded to the wake-up call with a barrage of pressure before the interval.
In-form midfielder Benjamin Nygren eventually levelled matters on the stroke of half-time, diving to head home a deflected Kieran Tierney cross for his 18th goal of the campaign.
Late drama stuns Parkhead
O’Neill’s men emerged for the second half with renewed intensity, launching wave after wave of attacks.
However, the momentum shifted decisively in the 73rd minute due to a moment of indiscipline.
Trusty was dismissed for punching Jamie McGrath in the arm during a corner, leaving his team-mates to battle with a numerical disadvantage.
Hibs sensed an opportunity to snatch all three points and duly capitalised in the 87th minute.
Andrews, on loan from Coventry City, combined well with fellow substitute Arne Suto before calmly dispatching the ball into the bottom corner.
Title race implications
The defeat marks a significant setback for the Glasgow giants as they attempt to chase down Hearts at the summit of the Scottish Premiership.
The pressure now intensifies for O’Neill ahead of a testing schedule involving four consecutive away fixtures.
Next on the agenda is the Old Firm derby against Rangers at Ibrox, a match that has now taken on even greater significance for the title race.