Celtic endured a shocking 2-0 loss to Dundee on Sunday, October 19, marking their first defeat at Dens Park in 37 years, as the Scottish champions’ title defense suffered another setback in a season already plagued by frustration and fan discontent.
Brendan Rodgers’ team fell behind when Clark Robertson netted with a header in the first half, before defender Cameron Carter-Vickers added to their woes with an own goal just before halftime.
Celtic supporters’ frustration erupted during the game, as they interrupted play by “throwing dozens of balls onto the pitch” in protest against the Parkhead board, following what they perceive as a calamitous start to the season, including an exit from the Champions League qualifiers.
The loss was Celtic’s first league defeat of the campaign and their first at Dundee since 1988, when Tommy Coyne scored the sole goal of that match.
Jeered off the field at full time, Celtic now trail surprise league leaders Hearts by five points, with a crucial match against them looming next weekend at Tynecastle. Before that, Rodgers’ side must refocus for a Europa League encounter with Sturm Graz on Thursday.
The game started chaotically after the opening whistle, as Celtic fans showered the pitch with multi-coloured balls, causing a delay while stewards cleared the playing surface.
Once play restarted, Kelechi Iheanacho came close, striking the post with a sharp effort. However, in the 17th minute, Dundee took the lead, with Robertson rising unmarked to head in from a Cameron Congreve corner.
Celtic attempted a comeback, with Kieran Tierney and Yang Hyun-Jun both squandering decent opportunities. But their situation deteriorated further in first-half stoppage time, when Congreve outpaced Liam Scales on the right and delivered a cross for Joe Westley, whose touch deflected off Carter-Vickers to double Dundee’s advantage.
After the interval, Reo Hatate shot just wide from the edge of the penalty area, while Dundee substitute Ashley Hay nearly extended the lead with a close-range header.
Goalkeeper Jon McCracken made two vital saves to thwart Iheanacho, and Celtic’s frustration reached a boiling point late on when Hatate’s shot appeared to strike Paul Digby’s arm in the box. Referee Matthew MacDermid initially awarded a penalty, but after a VAR review, he reversed the call, leaving Celtic outraged and fans booing once more.
The defeat intensified the pressure on Rodgers and underscored Celtic’s mounting challenges — on the field, in Europe, and increasingly, with their own fanbase.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
