Celtic's Title Hopes Falter After Controversial Red Card in Hibs Defeat

February 22, 2026
Celtic's Title Hopes Falter After Controversial Red Card in Hibs Defeat
  • 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


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