Celtic ended a tumultuous season with a 3-1 victory over Dunfermline Athletic in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park, securing a league and cup double. Goals from Daizen Maeda, Arne Engels, and Kelechi Iheanacho in the first half put Celtic in control, before Josh Cooper pulled one back for Dunfermline with his first touch after coming off the bench.
Interim manager Martin O'Neill, who returned to the club for a second stint, deflected attention from his own future. 'It's definitely not my final, it's Celtic Football Club's final,' he told the BBC. 'I've had a bit-part to play in proceedings.' O'Neill, 74, would not confirm whether he would take the job on a full-time basis, stating he hopes to speak with the owner next week.
Captain Callum McGregor praised the team's resilience after a difficult campaign. 'December time nobody would have given you a hope,' he said. 'It just shows you the mentality and character of the team.' McGregor also credited O'Neill and his staff for their work since returning.
Dunfermline manager Neil Lennon, a former Celtic boss, led his team to collect runners-up medals. The Pars were overwhelmed in the first half but improved after the break, with Cooper's goal giving them brief hope. However, Celtic held on to lift the trophy, with McGregor hoisting it to the sky as the Hampden crowd celebrated.
