As if things weren’t bad enough at Celtic there is growing speculation over what is going on with Julian Araujo.
Over the course of two months the on loan defender has become a firm fans favourite with his performances, attitude and celebrations.
Supporters have debated whether Alastair Johnston returns instantly at right back and whether a £9m transfer fee and EPL wages can be justified in the summer.
Araujo made one appearance for Bournemouth before being shipped north at the start of January.
How much involvement Wilfried Nancy had is hard to say but it was the only positive aspect of his handover as Martin O’Neill took on another rescue effort.
Unlike so many others it seemed that Araujo enjoyed playing for Celtic.
CULT HERO AND INJURY MYSTERY
There was more to it than trying to find a way into the Mexican World Cup squad. He struck up a rapport with the fans. His stoppage time goal and celebration at Kilmarnock are an obvious highlight in a season of thin pickings.
At Ibrox at the start of this month Araujo put in two impressive, imposing performances.
He played like a fan taken out of the Free Broomloan and handed a Celtic shirt.
At the final whistle he swung from the crossbar, he was attacked by home supporters then gave some back going up the tunnel.
And that was it. Sure there was a few social media posts and then an injury. Followed by silence, a sinister silence.
And when there is silence there is suspicion and speculation. On Sunday night The Fitbaw Gospel came up with a whopper, the sort of tale that makes social media notorious yet compulsive.
Of course Celtic won’t say a word. They’ll have been asked by legacy media partners.
He didn’t have a kid? Some lunatic just made that up? I fecking congratulated him🙄
I hope the rest of this isn’t true. Can’t afford to lose any good players. pic.twitter.com/D7iniFAazs— John Hughes (@yogijunior3) March 22, 2026
That story has attracted over 700 comments. That is the way that the modern media operates. People look outside of legacy outlets for news.
Retaining access to club media conferences is utterly pointless. It puts publishers in straight-jackets for the sake of a couple of favours a year.
Celtic’s silence since the events at Ibrox on March 8 is telling. Tellingly depressing.
The club has no comment on players and staff being attacked on the pitch. Nothing to say on flares being launched into the Free Broomloan.
Bournemouth and Borussia Monchengladbach have loaned players to Celtic.
Araujo was attacked at his place of work. Tomas Cvancara was interviewed live on Premier Sports with blood on his shirt. That didn’t happen during the match.
ARAUJO INJURY TIMELINE
Before the win over Motherwell, O’Neill was asked about the absent defender:
(Julian) has picked up an injury during the course of the week. He felt very tight after Sunday’s game (the Scottish Cup victory at Ibrox), and he’s felt a little bit (of pain) in his thigh, and we felt that there was no point in risking it today.
After the defeat to Dundee United O’Neill was asked two questions about Araujo. The answers were typically vague.
QUESTION: Have you got any updates on Julian Arujo, who’s missing again today?
O’NEILL: He’s missing, he’s down and he’s getting treatment and being rehabbed at his football club at Bournemouth.
QUESTION: Do you think he’ll be available after the international break?
O’NEILL: I’m not sure. I’m not sure, but the extra two weeks could help.
Last week, discussing his Bournemouth team mate, Ryan Christie said:
He was actually down in Bournemouth a couple of days ago. It’s funny speaking to him about it. Very funny.
I tried to warn him before he went up. I said, ‘The fans are a different level up there. Get ready for that’.
And the first thing he said when I saw him this week was, ‘Why didn’t you warn me?’. But I did and he’s absolutely loved it. He’s loved Glasgow too.
Julian’s picked up a wee knock but he’s desperate to get fit again as soon as he can and get back playing.
He’s a good laugh. He’s a good fit. He’s got a big enough personality to go and deal with playing in the Old Firm games.
When Celtic fans next see Araujo is now one of the burning questions swirling around the club.
On recent form the club will shut down for 10 days, saying nothing to supporters that they will soon be looking to commit £700 and more for 26/27 Season Tickets.
Saying nothing is the new Celtic way.
Nicholson has delivered on a new app that says nothing. Communications Manager Iain Jamieson will hand legacy media partners a few scraps over the next two weeks.
Easter Celtic Soccer Schools will be pushed as another income source as the club congratulates itself on another season heading for a ‘healthy’ profit.
There are some signs that the tolerance of supporters is being pushed to the limit.
If The Fitbaw Gospel has any element of truth to it the remainder of this season could make the 33 day reign of Nancy look like plain sailing.
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