The issue you’ve raised about media narratives, player reputations, and the contrasting treatment of players like Alfredo Morelos and Daizen Maeda is a nuanced one, especially in the context of the fierce rivalry between Celtic and Rangers. The dynamics of media perception in Scottish football are often shaped by years of history, stereotypes, and the way certain players and clubs are portrayed in the public eye. Morelos, with his fiery temperament, was often cast in the role of the “bad boy” of Scottish football. His disciplinary record, combined with a few highly controversial incidents, helped cement this image in the media and public consciousness. The frequent reports on his on-field antics, whether justified or not, ensured that every mistake was amplified, and his fiery nature was often highlighted as a characteristic of his play.

Take, for example, the incident against UFA, where Morelos was sent off for a tackle, and the subsequent red card for celebrating a goal at Motherwell. While many fans and observers of the game could argue that these decisions were harsh, the media framing was clear—Morelos was frequently depicted as a player who was prone to losing control or doing things outside the boundaries of what’s considered acceptable in football. Even when some of his red cards were rescinded, the damage was already done in the media, with narratives taking root that were difficult to shake off.

In comparison, Daizen Maeda, despite having a similar disciplinary record, seems to have avoided the kind of sustained media criticism that Morelos faced. Maeda, who has accumulated the same number of straight red cards as Morelos in fewer appearances, has not had the same kind of press coverage, nor has his reputation been framed in such a negative light. Even though Maeda’s red card incidents have occurred in important moments, such as in European competitions and domestic league games, they have not garnered the same media scrutiny that Morelos’ actions did during his time at Rangers. This stark difference in treatment raises questions about why Maeda’s similar behavior has gone largely unnoticed in the media.

One possible reason for this disparity is the way Celtic’s media and public relations apparatus handles these situations. Celtic, traditionally known for its more reserved and strategic media presence, may not fuel the same kind of sensational coverage of its players as Rangers did during Morelos’ tenure. This lack of media amplification means that any disciplinary issues surrounding Maeda are less likely to be given the same weight in the public discourse. Furthermore, Celtic’s overall image as a club, particularly in relation to how they are viewed by the media, may contribute to a more favorable portrayal of their players. There may also be an unconscious bias that exists within the media, where players at certain clubs, especially those from rivals, are scrutinized more harshly. This bias can manifest itself in how incidents are covered, with some players’ disciplinary issues being framed as a reflection of their “character” while others are given the benefit of the doubt.

Another important aspect to consider is the role of officials and how they perceive players on the pitch. With Morelos, there was an underlying narrative that he was a player who would likely engage in reckless challenges, even if they weren’t malicious, simply because of his reputation. This often led to him being penalized more harshly or being unfairly judged based on what referees “thought” he had done rather than what they actually saw. The notion of “reputation with officials” is significant here—Morelos, due to his past incidents, became a target for referees, who were perhaps quicker to reach for a card in his direction. This kind of reputation didn’t just affect Morelos’ disciplinary record but also impacted how fans and pundits viewed his on-field behavior.

For Maeda, however, it seems that his relatively quieter and more disciplined persona on the pitch has helped him avoid such biases. The lack of negative media coverage surrounding Maeda’s red cards might suggest that he has been allowed to play with a clean slate, or at least not forced into the same kind of narrative that has followed Morelos. When you compare the media handling of these two players, the difference in treatment becomes clear. Maeda’s disciplinary issues haven’t led to widespread condemnation or calls for him to “tone down” his play, even though his red card tally is now on par with Morelos’.

The lack of criticism from ex-players, pundits, or journalists about Maeda’s behavior is also telling. Unlike Morelos, who was often the subject of pointed criticism from former players and commentators for his perceived recklessness, Maeda has managed to avoid that kind of scrutiny. This might be down to the fact that Celtic is generally seen as a more “respectable” club in the eyes of the media, or it could be that Maeda simply hasn’t yet developed a reputation as a player who steps over the line. However, if his disciplinary issues continue, it’s possible that the narrative surrounding him could shift, and the media may begin to apply more pressure on him to clean up his act, just as they did with Morelos in the past.

The stark contrast in the treatment of these two players highlights the role that media narratives play in shaping public perception. While Morelos was often portrayed as a loose cannon, whose temper frequently let him down, Maeda’s incidents have been met with relative silence. This difference in treatment speaks volumes about how media, fan bases, and even officials can shape the way players are viewed and treated.

From a broader perspective, this is also a reflection of how football clubs manage their public relations and media presence. While Rangers at times seemed to revel in the “bad boy” image of Morelos, Celtic may have worked harder to maintain a more polished and controlled image for their players. The disparity in how both players are perceived and treated serves as a reminder of the power that media narratives and public relations can have on a player’s career, and how they can sometimes dictate how players are judged by fans, officials, and pundits alike.

If Celtic wishes to maintain a fairer balance in how their players are treated by the media, there may need to be a more active approach to addressing disciplinary issues when they arise, ensuring that players like Maeda don’t fall into the trap of being treated differently simply because of the club they represent. A more consistent approach to handling disciplinary matters, regardless of the player’s reputation or club affiliation, could help level the playing field in terms of media treatment. After all, perception is everything in football, and clubs must remain vigilant in how they manage both their players’ on-field behavior and the public narrative surrounding them.