Furious Celtic fans slam captain’s attitude despite emphatic 6-2 victory

There is a basic factual problem in your brief: Martin O’Neill is not currently in charge of Celtic F.C., so I’ve treated that line as an error and focused on the substance of the story.

Celtic supporters have rounded on Kasper Schmeichel after the goalkeeper opted against attending Sunday’s Scottish Cup semi-final, choosing instead to travel to England for a Premier League fixture.

While Celtic were engaged in a high-stakes encounter with St Mirren F.C. at Hampden Park, Schmeichel was at the Etihad Stadium for Manchester City F.C.’s meeting with Arsenal F.C.. The 39-year-old, still under contract at Parkhead but unlikely to feature again, did not travel with the squad for what was a pivotal afternoon in Glasgow.

Instead, he headed south as his former club City attempted to close the gap in the title race, while Celtic pursued a place in the final against familiar opposition. Schmeichel had been involved the last time the sides met in December, when St Mirren stunned the holders 3-1, ending a lengthy wait for silverware.

Injury has all but ended his involvement this season, with his contract due to expire in the summer and recovery expected to stretch well into the next campaign. Nonetheless, many supporters felt his presence in the dressing room would have been valuable.

Schmeichel posted two images on his Instagram story before kick off, drawing attention to the two major fixtures he had his eye on.

He shared a photo of himself in a Celtic shirt with the caption: “Big day of football ahead! Come on the boys.”

He then followed it with a picture from the Etihad holding the Premier League trophy, adding: “Big game at the Etihad as well. Reunited with an old friend.”

The reaction online was swift. One supporter wrote: “Kasper Schmeichel is still a Celtic player its a semi final of the Scottish Cup and he’s not here for it, he’s watching Man City vs Arsenal instead? Absolutely shameful imo. As a leader he should be in that dressing room helping.”

Another said: “Schmeichel has chosen to watch Man City over Celtic. Shocking.”

A third added: “Can’t believe Schmeichel isn’t even at Hampden today and is watchin Man City vs Arsenal instead.”