Celtic's Title Hopes Falter After Controversial Red Card in Hibs Defeat
February 22, 2026
The result leaves Celtic six points behind Hearts with a game in hand and two points behind Rangers, who closed the gap with a win.
Overall, Celtic’s title challenge is under pressure as Hearts lead and Rangers gain ground ahead of the next fixtures.
Celtic were reduced to 10 men in the 74th minute after Auston Trusty received a VAR-assisted red card for violent conduct, a turning point for their title bid.
Late drama defined the match as Celtic pressed for an equalizer in stoppage time but could not find the leveller, while Hibernian held on to take all three points.
Hibernian beat Celtic 2-1 at Parkhead, with Kai Andrews netting a late header after Felix Passlack opened the scoring, marking Hibs’ first Parkhead win since 2010.
Passlack’s opener came from a first-half assist by Nicky Cadden, and Cadden also set up Boyle’s chances, all repeatedly thwarted by Celtic keeper Kasper Schmeichel.
Celtic had conceded first in four of their last five games, and Nygren equalised before Nygreninu? (Note: ensure proper name) responded with Nygren for Celtic; Passlack’s header gave Hibs the lead.
Across the match, multiple Celtic chances in the second half and a controversial VAR decision influenced the red card.
Following the red card, Celtic reshaped with early substitutions and a 4-2-3-1 formation but failed to find a second goal.
Hibernian’s late takeover after the man advantage strengthens their position, while Celtic still hold a match in hand but remain third as Hearts top the table.
Celtic may appeal Trusty’s red card, seeking to overturn the dismissal on appeal.
Nygren and Yang Hyun-jun, along with Tomas Cvancara, threatened in the second half as Hibs pressed for a late winner.
Summary based on 4 sources
Get a daily email with more UK News stories
Sources

BBC Sport • Feb 22, 2026
Celtic vs Hibernian: Scottish Premiership updates & match report
Daily Record • Feb 22, 2026
Celtic 1 Hibs 2 LIVE reaction as visitors put huge dent in Hoops title hopes
Eastern Daily Press • Feb 22, 2026
Kai Andrews nets late winner as Hibernian dent 10-man Celtic’s title hopes
Reading Chronicle • Feb 22, 2026
Kai Andrews nets late winner as Hibernian dent 10-man Celtic’s title hopes