Hacks failed to ask Rodgers about appeal but justice done as UEFA correct their Maeda mistake

The Celtic Star

·11. Februar 2025

Hacks failed to ask Rodgers about appeal but justice done as UEFA correct their Maeda mistake

Yet more good news from UEFA last night on Daizen Maeda being available but why did the hacks not ask Brendan about any appeal?

Referee Rohit Saggi shows a red card to Daizen Maeda during the UEFA Champions League match between Celtic FC and BSC Young Boys at Celtic Park on January 22, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Fresh on from the news that our supporters will be free to travel to Munich, it was revealed by the club (much to the surprise of everyone) that our man of the moment Daizen Maeda is free to face Bayern Munich at Celtic Park in tomorrow night’s crucial Champions League play off tie against Bayern Munich.

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The club had appealed the two match ban the Japanese striker had received for his ordering off against BSC Young Boys, and much to everyone’s surprise, UEFA agreed and downgraded his suspension to just one game meaning he’s free to face the German giants.

Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring Celtic’s third goal during the match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on February 05, 2025 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The hacks failed to ask Brendan Rodgers about any appeal

That is terrific news indeed, as Daizen is our most valuable player at this moment in time. He is on such a hot streak that having him available to face Bayern Munich gives us an extra confidence booster going into the game.

The fact that the hacks had never thought to ask Brendan Rodgers at his various media conferences since the final whistle in the BSC Young Boys match whether an appeal would be submitted, meant that Brendan never told us.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic reacts after scoring the opening goal during the Celtic FC v Raith Rovers FC – Scottish Cup match at Celtic Park on February 08, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

I don’t think anyone outside the club knew that they were appealing Daizen’s suspension, so when the news broke it took us all by surprise, but a delightful one all the same. It’s still going to be a tough task, but we can head into the game with added confidence knowing that Daizen is available.

Bayern’s pre-match preparations will have to be altered

Bayern’s preparation for Celtic will have discounted Maeda for the match at Celtic Park at least, hopefully it’s an oversight that will work to our advantage.

Brendan Rodgers Manager of Celtic talks to TNT sports Aston Villa v Celtic, UEFA Champions League, Villa Park, – 29 January 2025. Photo RyanBrowne Shutterstock

Conor Spence is representing The Celtic Star at today’s media conference with Brendan Rodgers so we should be assured of some pertinent questions being asked.

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