Auston Trusty took time after a draining European night to speak directly to Celtic supporters.
The match at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium demanded resilience from start to finish. Celtic played for more than an hour with ten men and were forced into long spells without the ball as Bologna pressed late on.
Trusty was central to that effort, producing one of his strongest performances in a Celtic shirt. Along with his goal, he was heavily involved in defending the box during a second half that tested focus and stamina.
After the final whistle, the defender chose to focus on the travelling support. His message reflected how much the backing from the stands mattered during a difficult night for the team.
A message from Auston 💚#BolognaCeltic | #UEL | #CelticFC🍀 pic.twitter.com/mdvlWtuWfW
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) January 22, 2026
He said: “Hey everyone, Auston Trusty here. I just wanna say thank you so much for all the support.
“It was a hard game with 10 men, but we heard your cheers and we felt the support, and it really, really kept us going, and that’s what we really, really needed during that time.
“So thank you very much for travelling, and up the Hoops!”
Trusty’s words matched the tone of the performance. Celtic were under pressure for long periods, but the team never stopped competing, even as the game shifted away from control and toward survival.
For players, nights like that can blur into one long defensive phase. Hearing noise from the away end becomes more than background sound, offering reassurance during moments when legs are heavy and options are limited.
Celtic’s travelling support once again made themselves heard, even as Bologna pushed forward late on. That presence mattered, especially with qualification still in the balance heading into the final game of the league phase.
Trusty’s message also reflected a growing connection with the support. His season has not been without challenge, but performances like this one help build trust on and off the pitch.
The point earned in Italy moved Celtic onto eight points after seven games. With ten widely believed to be enough for a top-24 place, the draw keeps European hopes firmly alive.
Attention now turns quickly back to domestic action, with a demanding trip to Tynecastle on the horizon. Momentum can shift quickly, and performances like this provide a base to build from.
For Trusty, the night in Bologna was about more than one goal or one block. It was about staying together during pressure and recognising the role supporters play in moments like that.
His message was short and simple, but it carried weight. After a long night in Italy, it underlined the bond between team and support that continues to shape Celtic’s European journey.
