The difference was that Newcastle United made far too many mistakes at the back, too open at times, players losing their men. All of this not helped by the fact Celtic scored their first goal when to me seeing it on replays afterwards, Willock made no contact with the Celtic player who went down for the penalty.

Celtic put Newcastle United to the sword at Celtic Park today, winning 4-0 to lift the inaugural adidas Trophy. Brendan Rodgers' side started the match well and had a big chance with 13 minutes gone when Yang fired a ball into the box from the right wing which reached Engels, but he mistimed his shot and it was bundled behind for a Celtic corner.

In front of 10,000 away fans in Celtic Park, the Magpies were 2-0 down at half-time before Eddie Howe introduced new signing Anthony Elanga for his first appearance as one of nine half-time changes.

Newcastle United began their preseason campaign with a 4-0 defeat to Celtic, as Kieran Tierney made his long-awaited return at Celtic Park.

Celtic new Japan striker Shin Yamada is unveiled during the pre-season friendly match between Celtic and Newcastle United at Celtic Park on July 19, 2025 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Arne Engels opened the scoring with a 28th-minute penalty before Johnny Kenny doubled Celtic's lead, latching onto a long ball that was misjudged by Pope, presenting a clear path through to an open go

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised Newcastle United’s ‘incredible’ support at Celtic Park on Saturday afternoon.

Celtic and Newcastle contest a ‘Battle of Britain’ friendly on Saturday afternoon as part of their pre-season friendlies