Nobody will be as relieved as Reo Hatate to see Celtic beat Motherwell on Saturday.
The midfielder’s lapse in concentration allowed Elijah Just to give the visitors the lead in the first half, toughening the Hoops’ task.
In the end, Hatate played all 90 minutes in a 3-1 win which has now seen Celtic move within two points of league leaders Hearts, who lost at Rugby Park.
Despite his early error, Hatate has also been earning praise for two separate moments from the game.
Who was your man of the match from yesterday’s HUGE win?
Reo Hatate earns praise for two Celtic moments vs Motherwell
Outpouring of emotion for Celtic goal
Hatate’s relief was most evident when Tomas Cvancara stepped up to put Celtic ahead, converting from the spot for his first goal since February.
See the midfielder here, falling to his knees in relief after Cvancara’s spot kick – video via Glasgoing Places on YouTube.
READ MORE: Martin O’Neill’s Celtic ‘spirit’ message discussed by Kieran Tierney after Motherwell win
Hatate is often criticised for his body language and temperament, but it’s hard to argue that he doesn’t care after watching that.
The midfielder would’ve been a contender to take the penalty, but after the Czech’s winner in last week’s shootout at Ibrox.
In a vital moment in the game, Motherwell’s Emmanuel Longelo was sent off for denial of a goalscoring opportunity for Daizen Maeda, leading to the Celtic penalty.
Well boss Jens Berthel Askou wasn’t happy about this after the game, describing it as a ‘shame’ that the game ended in a 10v11 state.
You can only keep one of Daizen Maeda or Reo Hatate at Celtic…
Who do you pick?
Showing his classy side pre-match
Hatate was also seen making an effort to ensure that a nervous young mascot enjoyed the experience of walking out with the players before the game.
As seen via @fast_sin on X, Hatate can be seen putting the mascot at ease as the players lined up pre-match:
As part of the AccessibAll’s #TotalAccess Week of Action, the matchday mascots included a group of children with additional needs to celebrate inclusion in football.
A guide dog named Harry also served as a mascot to highlight the role of service animals in helping supporters with disabilities, walking out with Kieran Tierney.
Reo Hatate’s 2025-26 season at Celtic
Hatate enjoyed a return to form last season, particularly excelling on the Champions League stage as Celtic qualified for the knockout stages.
This season has been much more complicated. Martin O’Neill immediately dropped the 28-year-old upon his arrival, with performances under Brendan Rodgers not so encouraging.
Reintroduced to the starting XI for an away match at Feyenoord, Hatate scored in an excellent performance, showing that he is still capable of showing his best self.
But since being sent off against Bologna, consistency has simply been too hard to come by for the Japan international.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
