BBC touchline reporter shares Martin O’Neill’s reaction to Reo Hatate’s Celtic red card vs Bologna

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Reo Hatate’s red card had the potential of being very detrimental for Celtic in Bologna tonight.

Two ‘silly’ Celtic fouls in five minutes was enough to see Hatate being given his marching orders after 35 minutes when the Bhoys were 1-0 up.

It was a five-minute moment of madness from the Japanese midfielder as he unnecessarily put Celtic under pressure in Bologna in their crucial Europa League match.

How do you even begin to describe that bonkers half?!

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But it was Celtic manager Martin O’Neill’s reaction that caught the eye of BBC touchline reporter Liam MacLeod who was fuming at the decision.

• READ MORE: Pat Bonner’s furious message to Reo Hatate after Celtic red card vs Bologna

Martin O’Neill was ‘furious’ at Reo Hatate’s Celtic red

O’Neill would have been delighted at Celtic’s performance as they were approaching half time and looking comfortable at 1-0 up.

However, as Hatate was sent off for a second yellow card in five minutes, O’Neill’s reaction on the sidelines told its own story.

MacLeod said on BBC Sport, “The goal hero Hatate takes the long walk with two yellow cards in just under three minutes.

“The Japan international was booked for a foul on Lewis Ferguson before a petulant challenge on Juan Miranda, Martin O’Neill was furious with Greek referee Vassilis Fotias who showed him a yellow just after, but surely his ire will turn to Hatate as both yellows were needless.

“Could be a long night for the Scottish champions now as they’d been under the cosh when they had their full complement.”

O’Neill was booked for his reaction and, when he looks back at it, that fury he felt should be directed at Hatate as his recklessness could have cost his team a famous Europa League result.

Celtic are still one step from Europa League qualification

Celtic’s next fixture in the Europa League is a home tie against Utrecht as the Bhoys look to secure their qualification from the league phase.

Sitting at 10 points, it looks like Celtic are already through, but another point at Parkhead will see it over the line.

However, three points will put Celtic in a great position to claim a seeded place and, hopefully, a favourable draw in the last 32 of the competition.