“I respected him a lot – but you don’t expect him to get away with that attitude” – Martin O’Neill hints Celtic plan to fans: “Van Persie will be punished”

According to reports emerging after the final whistle, Feyenoord manager Robin van Persie became frustrated with several refereeing decisions and was seen exchanging heated words with Celtic staff on the touchline. Witnesses claim he went further, verbally abusing both Celtic players and a section of the home support—an allegation that immediately ignited anger around the club.

Martin O’Neill, who has been highly vocal in recent days, gave another attention-grabbing interview earlier this morning. While reflecting on the match, he expressed deep disappointment in Van Persie’s behaviour.

“I respected him a lot as a player,” O’Neill said. “But you don’t expect him to get away with that attitude. Celtic are not going to brush this aside. From what I’ve been told, Van Persie will be punished.”

O’Neill, who still maintains close ties with figures inside Celtic Park, hinted that the club is preparing to file an official complaint with UEFA over the Feyenoord manager’s conduct. He described the situation as “completely unacceptable” and insisted that the abuse “went far beyond competitive emotions.”

Several Celtic players were reportedly surprised by the intensity of Van Persie’s verbal tirade on the touchline, with some saying he “crossed lines you don’t cross in football.” Fans who were close to the incident claimed they heard remarks that appeared aimed directly at the Celtic support, triggering immediate fury and calls for action.

Celtic’s board is believed to be gathering evidence, including audio and video footage, before submitting their case. A club spokesperson has not yet commented publicly, but sources say the complaint is “a matter of when, not if.”

Supporters have backed O’Neill’s claims, insisting UEFA must take the accusations seriously. Many feel Celtic have been too quiet in the past about disrespect from opposition clubs or managers, and see this as a crucial moment to “set a standard.”

Feyenoord, meanwhile, have not released any response, but Dutch media have reported that Van Persie was visibly shaken after the match and left the stadium without speaking to press—an unusual move for a manager known for being articulate and composed.

For now, the tension between the two clubs continues to rise as European officials await formal documentation. O’Neill’s blunt prediction that Celtic “will not let this slide” ensures that this story is far from over.

What should have been a night celebrated solely for Celtic’s impressive performance has now become dominated by controversy, with fans waiting to see how far the club will push this and what consequences Robin van Persie may ultimately face.