The manager gives his reaction to today's loss to Celtic in the cinch Premiership.

St Mirren fell to defeat against Celtic at the SMiSA Stadium with a first-half red card for Charles Dunne leaving Saints too much to do in the second-half.

The Buddies took an early lead when Mark O'Hara put us in front from the penalty spot. But defender Dunne was shown red on 38 minutes for denying Kyogo Furuhashi a goalscoring opportunity. And Celtic made the most of their man advantage in the second-half; scoring five goals to take the points. 

Stephen Robinson was able to welcome Keanu Baccus and Alex Greive back into the starting 11 after injury. They were the only two changes from the side that drew 1-1 with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park last weekend as they came in for Ryan Flynn and Tony Watt. 

St Mirren got off to the perfect start after being awarded a penalty following a VAR check. Referee David Dickinson was advised to check the pitchside monitor after a handball from Greg Taylor and Saints captain O'Hara scored his third goal against Celtic this season from 12 yards to put us ahead. 

Mark O'Hara put us ahead from the penalty spot (Image: Allan Picken)

While Celtic were seeing most of the possession, Saints were resolute with the away side's first real chance not coming until 23 minutes when Marcus Fraser's loose clearance fell to Reo Hatate on the edge of the box and his ferocious effort flew just over the bar. Five minutes later, Trevor Carson made his first save of the match as he made a super one-handed stop push Jota's effort over after the Celtic man had weaved his way into the Saints box.

As the first-half approached its final few minutes St Mirren were reduced to 10 men when Dunne was shown a straight red card for denying Kyogo a goalscoring opportunity. Initially Celtic were awarded a penalty, but a VAR check ruled the foul took place outside the box and a free-kick was given instead. The ball was laid off to Celtic's captain Callum McGregor and his powerful strike was brilliantly blocked by Fraser as Saints went into the break in-front. 

Celtic levelled 11 minutes into the second 45 though when Jota squeezed home from close range to make it 1-1. The winger was sliding in alongside Kyogo to try and meet an Aaron Mooy low ball into the area. The first was blocked by Carson but Jota got a touch when the ball came back out to equalise despite Strain's efforts to clear before it crossed the line. The visitors then took the lead just after the hour mark when Alastair Johnston met Mooy's free-kick at the far post to bundle home.

Joe Shaughnessy and Tony Watt were introduced for Saints not long after Johnston's goal, but Celtic would score twice in two minutes to put the game beyond doubt. Liel Abada added the third on 70 minutes before the Israeli turned provider for Matt O'Riley who netted on 72 minutes. 

VAR awarded Celtic a penalty on 81 minutes when substitute Heyongyu Oh went down under the challenge of Alex Gogic. It was Oh who stepped up to take and he made it 5-1 to the visitors. 

Full-Time: St Mirren 1-5 Celtic

St Mirren: Carson, Fraser, Gogic, Dunne, Strain (Watt 62), Baccus, O'Hara (c), Kiltie (F.Taylor 75), Small (Shaughnessy 62), Greive (R.Taylor 45), Main (Tanser 75)
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Flynn, Offord, Jamieson

Celtic: Hart, Johnston, Carter-Vickers, Starfelt, Taylor, Hatate (O'Riley 66), McGregor (c), Mooy (Iwata 74), Jota (Haksabanovic 71), Kyogo (Oh 66), Maeda (Abada 46)
Subs Not Used: Bain, Ralston, Kobayashi, Turnbull

Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee: Ross Macleod 
Assistant Referee: David Dunne
Fourth Official: Euan Anderson
VAR: Andrew Dallas
Assistant VAR: Jonathan Bell

Attendance: 6,939

Following a review by the officials of our previous home fixture against Celtic back in September, as well as all available options, referee David Dickinson and the SPFL have requested that we play in our away kit in today's match against Celtic. Celtic will play in their third kit.

In the referee's view, this is the best possible option as any other variation would present a potential clash.

It's home action for Saints on Sunday as we host Celtic in the cinch Premiership. 

St Mirren vs Celtic
cinch Premiership
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium, Paisley
Date: Sunday 5th March 2023
Kick-off: 12pm
Live on Sky Sports

The match day officials for Sunday's match against Celtic are as follows:

Referee: David Dickinson
Assistant Referee: Ross Macleod
Assistant Referee: David Dunne
Fourth Official: Euan Anderson
VAR: Andrew Dallas
Assistant VAR: Jonathan Bell

Match Details

The game kicks-off at 12pm.

Season tickets are valid for Sunday's match. 

The turnstiles will open to supporters from 11am. We would advise supporters arrive early to avoid any delays in entry to the stadium. The St Mirren Ticket Office is open between 10am until just after kick-off.

The match is all ticket – tickets will be on sale (subject to availability) UNTIL KICK-OFF. 

Tickets are only available to season ticket holders from this season and season 2021/22 and anyone that has purchased tickets for (and subsequently attended) at least two league matches at the SMiSA Stadium this season.

Season ticket holders from this season and season 2021/22 can purchase extra tickets online or at the St Mirren Ticket Office. Anyone that has bought tickets for – and attended – at least two league matches can only purchase directly from the St Mirren Ticket Office in person or via phone.

St Mirren Football Club reserve the right to cancel any tickets it feels have been purchased for away supporters with no refund. Away end tickets will be sold directly by Celtic.

Ticket Office Phone No: (0141) 840-6130
St Mirren Ticket Office E-Mail: tickets@stmirren.com

Live Streaming

International subscribers to St Mirren TV can continue to watch the match live as part of their subscription. Subscribers inside the UK and Ireland will receive live audio commentary. 

The match is also being shown live on Sky Sports.  

Car Parking

A number of changes have been made to our parking protocol at the SMiSA Stadium this season. 

The three zones (Red, Black and White) are explained and shown on the diagram below.

Red Zone - South

For hospitality and home disabled supporters (subject to availability). 

To enter/exit Greenhill Road. Hospitality ticket to be shown for entry. 

Black Zone - Southwest 

For Family Stand and Main Stand Patrons. 

To enter/exit via Drums Avenue.  

White Zone - West 

For West Stand Patrons and Pay on the Day. Home disabled supporters in bays behind West Stand. Away disabled supporters in bays behind the dome. If parking in the West Stand area please take note of the new driver notice signs which ask drivers to remain in the parking bays until footfall is reduced. 

To enter/exit via Ferguslie Park Avenue.

Visitor Information

Tickets for our cinch Premiership match away to Dundee United on Saturday 18th March will go on sale on Monday (6th March) at 9am. 

Tickets will be available to buy HERE.

Please be aware that tickets will only be available online directly from Dundee United; there will be none available at the St Mirren Ticket Office. 

Dundee United Ticket Info

Jim McLean Fair Play Upper

Adults - £28
Concessions* - £16
Under-12s** - £5

Ambulant with PA - £16
Wheelchair with PA - £16

*65 and over, full-time student and under 21. 
**Must be accompanied by a full-paying adult. 

All ambulant supporters should be registered with St Mirren as a disabled supporter and a ticket can be purchased online with a PA if required. 

Should any of our disabled ambulant supporters have mobility issues with stairs, please contact Dundee United direct and they will organise lower stand tickets.

Anyone looking for Wheelchair & PA pairs in the corner shelter should contact Dundee United direct on 01382 833166 Option 1.

St Mirren host Celtic at the SMiSA Stadium on Sunday in matchday 28 of the 2022/23 cinch Premiership season. 

A late Alex Gogic goal saw Saints draw 1-1 with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Saturday to stay in fifth place in the cinch Premiership. The Buddies have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six league matches. 

Sunday's opponents Celtic have won their last six league matches and sit atop the cinch Premiership. Ange Postecoglou's side were in Viaplay Cup action on Sunday as they defeated their rivals Rangers 2-1 at Hampden to win the trophy for a second year in a row. 

Match Details

St Mirren v Celtic
Competition: cinch Premiership
Date: Sunday 5th March 2023
Kick-off: 12pm
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium

Ticket Info

Season tickets are valid for Sunday's match.

Match tickets are only available to season ticket holders from this season and season 2021/22 and anyone that has purchased tickets for (and subsequently attended) at least two league matches at the SMiSA Stadium this season.

Season ticket holders from this season and season 2021/22 can purchase extra tickets online or at the St Mirren Ticket Office. Anyone that has bought tickets for – and attended – at least two league matches can only purchase directly from the St Mirren Ticket Office in person or via phone.

The match is being shown live on Sky Sports. International subscribers to St Mirren TV can watch the match live on tv.stmirren.com as part of their subscription. There is no PPV available. 

Previous

Saints inflicted Celtic's only domestic defeat so far this season back in September with goals from Mark O'Hara and Jonah Ayunga giving us a 2-0 win over the league leaders. 

There have been two meetings between the two in 2023 so far - both at Celtic Park. Celtic won 4-0 in the cinch Premiership in January and 5-1 in the Scottish Cup in February but the scorelines were harsh on a Saints side that competed well on both occasions. 

Mark O'Hara opens the scoring in our win against Celtic in September (Image: Jeff Holmes)

The officials

David Dickinson is the referee on Sunday. He'll be assisted by Ross Macleod and David Dunne, with Euan Anderson the Fourth Official.

Andrew Dallas is the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and he'll be assisted by Jonathan Bell.  

Tickets for our home match against Celtic in the cinch Premiership on Sunday 5th March are now on sale.

Following feedback from our match against Celtic in September, as well as consultation with our Supporter Liaison Officers, we have set the criteria for those wishing to purchase tickets for this match. 

Tickets are only available to season ticket holders from this season and season 2021/22 and anyone that has purchased tickets for (and subsequently attended) at least two league matches at the SMiSA Stadium this season.

Season ticket holders from this season and season 2021/22 can purchase extra tickets online or at the St Mirren Ticket Office. Anyone that has bought tickets for – and attended – at least two league matches can only purchase directly from the St Mirren Ticket Office in person or via phone.

St Mirren Football Club reserve the right to cancel any tickets it feels have been purchased for away supporters with no refund. Away end tickets will be sold directly by Celtic.

Tickets for this match are priced at:

Adults - £32
Concessions* - £22
U12s** - £14

*65+ and 13-17
**Must be accompanied by an adult

Fixture Details

St Mirren v Celtic
Competition: cinch Premiership
Date: Sunday 5th March 2023
Kick-off: 12pm
Venue: The SMiSA Stadium

We have a number of our players out on loan at clubs across Scotland. Here's a look at how some of them got on at the weekend. 

Eamonn Brophy scored a double for Ross County as they pulled off a big win in the cinch Premiership on Saturday. The Staggies defeated Dundee United 4-0 at the Global Energy Stadium to move four points clear of United who sit bottom of the league. 

In the cinch Championship, St Mirren Youth Academy graduate Jay Henderson played 90 minutes before being replaced by Aaron Doran as Inverness Caledonian Thistle drew 1-1 away to title hopefuls Dundee. Toyosi Olusanya played 65 minutes as he lead the line for Arbroath in their 0-0 draw with Partick Thistle at Gayfield.

Dean McMaster was an unused substitute for cinch League one side Airdrieonians as they were beaten 3-1 at home against promotion chasing Falkirk. 

Ewan Thomson played 45 minutes for Cowdenbeath when he came on as a half-time substitute for the Blue Brazil in their narrow 1-0 defeat to Cumbernauld Colts at Broadwood in the Lowland League. Gavin Gallagher played the full 90 minutes for Lowland League side Dalbeattie Star as they were beaten 4-1 by Tranent Juniors.

Stephen Robinson gives his reaction to this afternoon's draw with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

A late Alex Gogic header gave Saints a point at McDiarmid Park. 

The Cypriot scored his first goal of the season in the final few minutes to grab us a share of the spoils against 10 men St Johnstone. 

Gogic - who missed last weekend's win over Ross County with an ankle injury - returned to the starting line-up replacing Declan Gallagher who pulled up with a hamstring injury last Saturday. That was the only change made from last weekend's victory. 

After a fairly listless first 35 minutes - which saw very few opportunities - the game sprang into life. Curtis Main's low ball across the face of the box was almost turned into the St Johnstone net by Liam Gordon with the Perth Saints' goalkeeper Remi Matthews having to stick a leg out to sweep clear. 

Two minutes later a Ryan Strain cross-cum-shot almost caught out Matthews with the stopper having to tip away from the top corner. Almost immediately after,

Trevor Carson was forced into his first save of the match as he did well to push away a Stevie May header. Tony Watt came close to his first St Mirren goal on 39 minutes when he curled just wide of the far post from inside the area. 

St Johnstone were reduced to 10 men in the final minute of the opening 45 when Dan Phillips was shown red for serious foul play after a VAR check. The midfielder caught Ryan Flynn on the ankle with his studs and referee Craig Napier's quick check of the monitor saw the initial yellow card rescinded and replaced by a straight red. 

Saints started the second-half quickly and were inches away from taking the lead less than two minutes after the restart. Watt's cross from the right was met by Mark O'Hara who volleyed just wide. 

Thierry Small's low strike from distance was gathered by Matthews on the hour mark. Three minutes later Watt came close to opening the scoring when he met O'Hara's cross at the back post, but his header came off the bar and went over. 

Tony Watt came close to opening the scoring with a header the came off the bar (Image: Craig Brown)

But with 15 minutes remaining it was the 10 men of St Johnstone who took the lead through substitution Zak Rudden. The striker rose above the Saints defence to meet a Cammy MacPherson free-kick. His header came off the inside of the post before nestling in the back of the net. 

Stephen Robinson made a triple substitution on 80 minutes with Joe Shaughnessy, Lewis Jamieson and Kieran Offord on to replace Marcus Fraser, Flynn and Watt. And it was Shaughnessy whose brilliant cross found Gogic to head us level on 86 minutes. The Irish defender swung the ball in from the right where Gogic was on hand to bullet home the equaliser. 

Saints pressed for a winner with Gogic shooting into the arms of Matthews from the edge of the area before Jamieson scooped over in the final seconds as we had to settle for a point. 

Full-Time: St Johnstone 1-1 St Mirren

St Mirren: Carson, Fraser (Shaughnessy 80), Gogic, Dunne, Strain, Flynn (Jamieson 80), O'Hara (c), Kiltie, Small, Watt (Offord 80), Main
Subs Not Used: Urminsky, Campbell, Kenny, R.Taylor, F.Taylor, Gilmartin

St Johnstone: Matthews, Wright, Mitchell, Gordon, (c), Considine, Montgomery, MacPherson, Phillips, Hallberg, May (Rudden 72), Clark (Bair 72)
Subs Not Used: Sinclair, Brown, Gallacher, Wotherspoon, Carey, Murphy

Referee: Craig Napier
Assistant Referee: Daniel McFarlane
Assistant Referee: Michael Banks
Fourth Official: Duncan Williams
VAR: Grant Irvine
Assistant VAR: John McCrossan

Attendance: 3,828