IT’s hard to stop Daizen Maeda when he builds up a head of steam.
But in a bizarre incident whilst warming up for his national team, it was his own head that ended on the receiving end of an embarrassing gaffe.
Daizen Maeda in action for Japan against China[/caption]
But it was an incident during warm-ups that left fans – and him – laughing[/caption]
The Celtic fan favourite was in action for Japan during the recent international window.
He appeared as a substitute in the 4-0 win over Indonesia last week (as did fellow Celt Reo Hatate) and then came off the bench again in yesterday’s 3-1 victory against China (as did Kyogo Furuhashi).
But it was an awkward moment during his warm-up prior to coming on the park last night that had fans in stitches.
Video footage caught the 27-year-old working on his finishing at half-time with the other subs.
He takes up a position just inside the box and waits for a team mate to cross him the ball – with rather disastrous consequences!
Maeda receives the ball to feet and takes a touch towards the empty goal but he then inexplicably blasts the ball clean off the post from TWO YARDS – and is helpless as the ball ricochets back onto his FACE.
A Japan supporter who filmed the mishap and posted it on social media said: “Dae-ran’s post-hit bullet is too funny lol,” referring to the player’s nickname (given to him due to the amount of running he does).
Maeda saw the clip and responded himself.
“Funny right? I did it on purpose!” he quipped.
With the player seeing the funny side, so did the Japanese fans.
https://twitter.com/bell_ndoool/status/1858858917159477607
One replied: “Stupidly funny.”
Another remarked: “This made me laugh so hard!”
And a third said: “Be careful on your way back to Glasgow.”
Celtic fans also spotted the video and shared their thoughts.
One laughed: “The most Daizen thing ever!”
A second joked: “Meant it bro, don’t let them say otherwise.”
And finally, this fan said: “Brilliant wee man, never change and never leave.”
Meanwhile, Scotland‘s pot for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has been confirmed.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
