Robin van Persie and Martin O’Neill shared one of the night’s standout moments in the De Kuip media room after Celtic’s 3–1 Europa League win over Feyenoord, as the Dutchman proved himself a worthy loser by walking straight over to congratulate O’Neill on a superb European result.
It was a striking scene. While Feyenoord’s players and staff quietly processed the disappointment of a home defeat, van Persie made a point of seeking out O’Neill amid the post-match bustle, acknowledging that Celtic had outplayed his team and deserved the result.
O’Neill, relaxed and smiling after one of the most impressive wins of his interim spell, returned the gesture in kind. The exchange was brief, but its tone said everything: two experienced football figures recognising a performance of real quality.
Celtic’s display had earned that respect. Despite falling behind early, they grew into the game with real authority. Yang Hyun-jun struck the equaliser with a composed finish, Reo Hatate punished Feyenoord’s hesitation to turn the match before half-time, and substitute Benjamin Nygren sealed it late with a thunderous drive off the underside of the bar.
It was one of Celtic’s most assured European away performances in many years, built on structure, confidence and smart decision-making.
For van Persie, the defeat will have been bruising. His Feyenoord side started brightly but struggled to regain control once Celtic settled.
Yet his reaction afterwards showed why he is held in high regard: there were no excuses, no attempts to deflect, just respect for a side who had imposed themselves on his team. In an era where post-match flashpoints often overshadow the football itself, his behaviour in the media room offered something refreshing.
For O’Neill, the moment added another layer to what has quickly become an unforgettable interim stint. He has restored belief in the squad, reconnected the players with a clear plan and delivered Celtic’s first win on Dutch soil since he achieved the same feat against Ajax in 2001.
Watching van Persie approach him to acknowledge that achievement only reinforced how far Celtic have come in just a few weeks under his guidance.
Mooi: Robin van Persie toont zich een waardig verliezer en feliciteert Celtic-manager Martin O’Neill 👏🏻#VanPersie #Feyenoord #FEYCEL #UEL pic.twitter.com/zmTsIg8ph6
— VoetbalPrimeur (@VoetbalPrimeur) November 28, 2025
Supporters have embraced O’Neill’s return, and scenes like this strengthen that bond. When a manager of van Persie’s stature feels compelled to seek out Celtic’s boss and praise his work, it speaks volumes about the team’s performance and the respect it commanded.
The video has resonated with fans, not only because of the gesture itself, but because it reflects the composure and identity Celtic have rediscovered during this short spell.
In a stadium where Celtic have suffered before, O’Neill’s side delivered a performance that demanded admiration. And van Persie’s reaction showed he understood that completely.
For Celtic, it was another reminder that they remain capable of imposing themselves on major European nights, and that under O’Neill’s guidance, even temporarily, the club’s presence still commands respect at the highest level.
Yes! Professionalism indeed from Van Persie to Martin and with authenticity and respect. The Celtic Board could learn something here, These are qualities which they lack and that is what is affecting our club.
I believe a role should be provided for Martin at the club as they need someone of his quality to be the glue binding all the parts together. He brings out the best in people whilst the board seem to bring out the worst.
It still remains the case however, that both the board and both Desmonds should be held to account for their astonishingly unprofessional and verbally abusive behaviour in their dismissive and possibly libellous comments and also in seemingly engineering the cancelling of the meeting to avoid being questioned and possibly voted out. Selective voting behind the scenes seems to be avoiding the inevitable. When their time comes, it will noy look sweet.
not
It is time for both the collective and Board to talk to each other each other respectfully. It is my impression that the collective tried that, but the Board were unwilling.