Jota returns as Celtic beat Motherwell 2-0 amid Dermot Desmond fan protest

Celtic secured a 2-0 victory over Motherwell at Fir Park to return to the top of the Scottish Premiership, avoiding a fourth consecutive defeat under manager Martin O'Neill. Camilo Duran opened the scoring after nine minutes before Benjamin Nygren added a second following an assist from Kasper Hogh. The match also marked the return of Portuguese winger Jota, who made a late appearance after 533 days out with a cruciate ligament injury.

The victory came despite vocal protests from Celtic supporters aimed at principal shareholder Dermot Desmond. Fans chanted against Desmond and displayed protest banners throughout the match. Before kick-off, supporters also unveiled a tifo honoring club legend Danny McGrain following his Alzheimer's diagnosis, while a minute's silence was observed for former Motherwell chairman Brian McCafferty.