GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MAY 23: Celtic Manager Martin O'Neill with the Scottish Cup Trophy during the Scottish Gas Men's Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic at Barclays Hampden, on May 23, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group via Getty Images)
A fresh wave of anger has greeted the most simple of tweets congratulating Martin O’Neill on Celtic’s double success.
It happened last night, from Green and White Army, an account for north of Ireland football fans which has over 100,000 followers.
When Jamie Bryson leads the outrage you know that you are on the right side.
Despite recent impressive steps with the squad and management it seems that many fans can’t quite embrace 1926.
Basic things like congratulating a former World Cup captain on having success in management at the age of 74.
Back in 1982 the north of Ireland qualified for the World Cup Finals for the first time in 24 years.
There was a clamour to get George Best into the squad but that fell by the wayside.
MARTIN O’NEILL- THE WORLD CUP CAPTAIN
A squad drawn almost entirely from players born in the six counties was selected by Billy Bingham. There were quite a few leaders in the squad but Bingham gave the captaincy to Martin O’Neill, fresh from European Cup winning campaign in 1979 and 1980 under Brian Clough.
Belfast 1982 was a very different place to the present day. But not all have moved with the times as last night’s tweet demonstrated.
It has actually just become apparent that this account in fact **seems** to be run by the @IrishFA
Absolutely shocking but unsurprising if so. There needs to be an absolute clear-out of that organisation, starting with the CEO who wanted a ROI top in his office.
It’s actually… https://t.co/9858MIH75g
— Jamie Bryson (@JamieBrysonLLB) May 26, 2026
The account is the official one of the Irish Football Association.
The fact that the tweet didn’t go out until three days after Celtic beat Dunfermline shines a little light of the problem.
O’Neill has been front and centre of Celtic’s success, reflecting favourably on his background. A background that he has never hidden from, one that he is proud of.
Born and brought up in Kilrea, O’Neill left for England in his teens and made a career in soccer after excelling in GAA.
After 10 years at Nottingham Forest he was a Norwich player at the 1982 World Cup Finals, his career is something that everyone in Ireland can aspire to.
In 2000 he quit managing Leicester City to move to Celtic. A few months later he was joined by Neil Lennon.
The midfielder had to quit international football after threats to him and his family.
Progress has been made since that period. Anton Rogan was another who suffered.
Much of the progress was forced through by outside pressure, from UEFA and sponsors.
Some ‘fans’ will never adapt, O’Neill, Lennon and Rogan are well aware of that.
MELTDOWN…
?????? pic.twitter.com/5SxDUEcDtQ— Vincenzo… (@celticwarrior93) May 26, 2026
Jeez the replies here from whom I presume are unionist NI fans, are quite shocking. The level of bigotry and sectarianism is never far from the surface with NI fans.
If O’Neill was Rangers manager they’d be falling over themselves in praise and admiration.
— Ze Roberto (@letshaveye) May 26, 2026
Jamie is an insignificant little twosser
For more of the bigots pain,jump on to Born Celtic on you tube,the videos on there are so funny to watch regarding our success this season.
McMoist in the videos looks pished as a fart and talking with a lisp,must his new Ted Heath,his meltdown is a belter.
Then you have Michael Stewart he gives lispy a run for his money in the meltdown stakes,and a wee added bonus there is another video with Derek Ferguson who looks as if he is ready to vomit at us getting that penalty against Motherwell.
Give it a wee look on you tube Born Celtic,loads a videos.
They have a thread about this on Wallow Wallow…
They’re incredulous with rage…
We as a club, as a cult, as players, as managers, have broken them…
Although in fairness one or two of them do acknowledge his playing contribution to the six occupied counties in The North of Ireland…
Fu*k it would tip them over the edge if he ever reached the ‘honours’ (Sic) lists !
Poor old Jamie….UVF spokesman and whiskey Jim’s side kick….what a absolute brain dead bigot b*****d, Joe best way to sum up Bryson is his a useful idiot and mouthpiece for certain organisations in the North of Ireland