Celtic completed a domestic double with a straightforward 4-1 victory over Dunfermline in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park. The result, which never looked in doubt after a dominant first half, saw Martin O'Neill's side reclaim the trophy they lost to Aberdeen last season.
The match was effectively over by half-time, with Celtic leading 2-0. Daizen Maeda opened the scoring after nine minutes, lobbing Dunfermline goalkeeper Aston Oxborough following a defensive error from John Tod. Arne Engels doubled the lead with a low, fierce shot from 25 yards that Oxborough saw too late.
Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon introduced Chris Kane and Zak Rudden after the break to add physicality, but Celtic remained in control. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the third goal after evading Oxborough's reach, despite a possible handball by Jeremiah Chilokoa-Mullen in the build-up. Dunfermline grabbed a consolation through substitute Josh Cooper, who tapped home after Alistair Johnston blocked a shot.
The victory caps an exhausting season for Celtic and raises questions about O'Neill's future. O'Neill, 74, is expected to hold talks with major shareholder Dermot Desmond in the coming days. He acknowledged his age, saying he could not manage if the season started tomorrow, but hinted at a desire to continue.
Neil Lennon, who enjoyed success under O'Neill as a player, praised the Celtic fans for chanting his name, contrasting it with the end of his second tenure as manager. He acknowledged Dunfermline's spirited performance but conceded the quality gap was too wide.
