Fans are having a ‘serious conversation’ about Reo Hatate after Celtic’s Red Star Belgrade draw

Reo Hatate has been one of Celtic’s best players over the last three seasons.

Brought to Celtic by Ange Postecoglou, Hatate wowed the Hoops support after a dazzling debut against Hearts was followed up by the Japanese midfielder destroying Rangers in the 2022 Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park.

Since his move, Hatate has been central to Celtic winning three doubles and a treble as the 27-year-old midfielder continues to show he is head and shoulders above anything else in Scotland.

However, what has been noticed is that Hatate’s form has dropped off a cliff at Celtic over the last 12 months.

And after Celtic’s draw with Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League, fans are now having a ‘serious conversation’ about the iconic player.

Celtic fans send Reo Hatate a message after draw with Red Star Belgrade

The conversation all started on this thread just as the game was heading into its final 15 minutes:

Serious conversation needed about Reo Hatate btw

— Declan (@declancfc67) September 24, 2025

That simple tweet sparked a conversation between Celtic fans with many voicing their opinion on whether Hatate needs taken out of the team.

Bernardo or Engels need to start ahead of him on Saturday.

*Fully expect him to start and bang a shitpinger in the top corner now I've said that…

— Nairny (@nairny87) September 24, 2025

@mickhew1 agreed and replied, “I kept saying it last night as soon as it goes to Hatate or Calmac the attack just stops! It’s negative football when they get it.

“Think they need the bench for a while or confidence back, I don’t know”

The similarities between Hatate and Ntcham are stark
I think if Hatate doesn't watch out , he'll end up on football scrapheap , a bit like Ntcham.
Who went to Swansea and then disappeared somewhere

— @RabCorbett (@RabCorbett2) September 24, 2025

One player who could replace Hatate has been mooted as @SamuraiDiner replied, “I don’t know why Bernardo isn’t playing, perhaps Rogers should look at how MacGregor has dropped off in pace and drive if a club like Celtic pay 11m for Engles we should be playing him, the need to perhaps pivot and play a different formation with the players we have is evident

Reo seems to have lost the ability to make the simple pass, nevermind the defence splitting pass. Very careless with the ball. Needs some time on the bench

— The LT (@neil1856) September 25, 2025

It’s clear Celtic supporters are deeply unhappy and that Hatate is testing their patience this season.