Martin O’Neill’s frustration with Celtic referee decision draws UEFA question.

Martin O’Neill was left furious with several refereeing decisions during Celtic’s 2-1 Europa League defeat against Celta Vigo at Celtic Park, with questions now being raised over whether the officials properly handled one crucial incident involving Callum Osmand.

Celtic had plenty of reason to feel frustrated after the match, particularly over an incident involving Osmand during the first half. Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner was adamant that the forward had been fouled and rejected any suggestion that the player deliberately went to ground.

Celtic’s Callum Osmand is fouled by Celta Vigo’s Javier Rueda during the UEFA Europa League match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Thursday October 22, 2026.

Speaking on BBC Sport, Bonner insisted Osmand had not simulated the challenge and believed there was sufficient contact from the defender to warrant a free-kick.

“There is no way that was a dive. He is running at pace, the hand was on the back – he has almost pushed him over. Whether he is inside the box or outside the box I am not 100 per cent sure, but certainly for me that was a foul. Did he check it?” Bonner said.

The incident quickly became one of the major talking points from Celtic’s defeat, particularly because Osmand had been driving directly towards the Celta Vigo defence when the contact occurred.

McFadden backs Celtic’s complaint

Former Scotland international James McFadden also believed Celtic had legitimate grounds to question the referee’s decision.

McFadden explained that Osmand had received the ball from a promising position after Sam Johnstone played an excellent pass towards Duran. The forward then moved aggressively towards the heart of the Celta Vigo defence.

“He is driving at the heart of the defence for Rodriguez and is shaping as if he is going to cut back into his right foot,” McFadden explained.

The former Celtic player highlighted the involvement of the recovering defender, who appeared to make contact with Osmand as the attacker attempted to continue his run into the area.

“There is a recovering defender who pushes him, I am amazed. He is driving into the box. He does really well, Osmand,” McFadden added.

The decision was particularly frustrating for Celtic because the team were attempting to build momentum and create further opportunities against their Spanish opponents.

O’Neill also booked during defeat

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill during the UEFA Europa League match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Thursday October 22, 2026.

The Osmand incident was not the only refereeing decision that angered O’Neill.

The Celtic manager was shown a yellow card during the second half after Celta Vigo were awarded the free-kick that eventually produced Javi Rodriguez’s equaliser.

O’Neill’s reaction demonstrated how frustrated he had become with the officials, particularly as Celtic were attempting to protect their advantage.

However, while former Celtic midfielder Stiliyan Petrov acknowledged that the manager had reasons to question some of the decisions, he warned that Celtic could not blame the defeat entirely on the referee.

Speaking on TNT Sports, Petrov accepted that there had been questionable calls but argued that the overall performance remained the bigger issue.

“He has got a point. There was a couple of decisions…as he talks about. But, if you look at the picture as the whole picture Celtic haven’t done enough to win the game,” Petrov said.

Petrov identifies Celtic’s bigger problem

Petrov’s assessment was particularly critical of Celtic’s performance once they began chasing the equaliser.

He argued that O’Neill’s team became increasingly stretched, creating spaces that Celta Vigo could exploit. Rather than maintaining their structure, Celtic allowed frustration to affect their approach and made life easier for the visitors.

“There is a lot of negatives in the way Celtic play, especially when they are trying to chase [an equaliser]. They were overstretched and made it easier for the opposition,” Petrov added.

That analysis highlights why Celtic cannot simply point towards the officials when assessing another disappointing European result.

Celtic surrendered their advantage

There were certainly moments Celtic could use to support their complaints about the refereeing, but the bigger frustration will be that they had already placed themselves in a strong position to win the match.

Mika Baur gave Celtic the lead, providing O’Neill’s side with an ideal platform at Celtic Park. The hosts then had another opportunity to extend their advantage when Liam Scales struck the woodwork.

Instead of capitalising on that momentum, Celtic lost control of the contest.

Celta Vigo scored twice in a short period, turning the match around and leaving Celtic facing another damaging European defeat.

The Osmand incident will continue to generate debate, particularly over whether the referee should have awarded a foul and whether the situation was reviewed appropriately.

Nevertheless, Celtic ultimately had opportunities to secure the result even without that decision going their way.

They were ahead at one stage, had struck the woodwork and had enough time to manage the game after taking the lead. Instead, they allowed Celta Vigo back into the contest and failed to respond effectively.

O’Neill may feel his side were denied some important decisions, but the defeat also exposed weaknesses Celtic must address themselves. The referee can be questioned, but Petrov’s warning remains relevant: Celtic must show greater control, defensive organisation and composure if they are to compete successfully in Europe.