David Martindale observes the Celtic penalty gripe as Paulo Bernardo ‘handball’ departs, leaving the irritated Livingston coach questioning

The Lions slumped to a 2-0 defeat to the Scottish Premiership leaders at Celtic Park.

Livingston boss David Martindale reckons his facet should have had a penalty against Celtic as he claimed Paulo Bernardo handled the ball.

The first-half flashpoint would come before a quick-fire one-two punch from Brendan Rodgers side as Kyogo Furuhashi and Liam Scales bought on the scoresheet to put the sport beyond the Scottish Premiership’s rock backside side. In the build-up to the head knock to Tom Parkes – which saw him compelled off – the defender thumped the ball toward aim and it regarded to strike the hand of the Benfica loanee on the edge of the box, earlier than Cameron Carter-Vickers would ultimately clear the danger.

Referee Matthew MacDermid did no longer factor to the spot whilst Alan Muir in the VAR room also did now not considered any need to intervene to aid the man in the middle. However, Martindale used to be satisfied following the full-time whistle that the ball had struck the hand of Bernardo before the break.

Asked about the Celtic flashpoint, he said: “I’d need to see it slowed down. It’s a handball. They stated his hand was inside, but we’re on the iPad and we didn’t have hazard to zoom in to see whether it’s a shirt line or below.

“I suppose it’s hand but whether it’s a pen or not, I couldn’t see.”

Fabrizio Romano affirms Inter’s transfer intentions amid link to Matt O’Riley

Fabrizio Romano has updated followers on Inter Milan’s transfer plans amidst hyperlinks to Celtic superstar Matt O’Riley. The Italian switch guru took to Twitter/X to verify that Simone Inzaghi’s aspect are fascinated in signing Medhi Taremi and Tajon Buchanan.

🚨⚫️🔵 Inter are still working on deal to sign Mehdi Taremi as free agent in June 2024 — as FC Porto want to keep him in January.

Inter wanted him last summer and they will try to push again for next season.

🇨🇦 Priority for January: Tajon Buchanan.@MatteMoretto 🤝🏻 pic.twitter.com/JyybSCzHGH

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 22, 2023

Celtic’s Matt O’Riley has been linked with the Serie A club in advance of the January window. The 22-year-old has been gorgeous this season below Brendan Rodgers and the manager said he wouldn’t favor to lose quality when that is what he was once looking to add.

The document from Sky Sports suggests that Inter are eager on signing the Danish Internationalist on a mortgage with the responsibility to purchase in the summer. It would be a switch that may want to affect Celtic’s 2d half of the season and, with his a lengthy time period contract, he wouldn’t come cheap.

Rodgers will want to preserve a keep of the midfielder and deliver a quantity of first group picks into the squad in January.

‘He has come in for criticism’: Martin O’Neill defends the “really fine” player who costs £1 million for Celtic

Joe Hart is Celtic and Brendan Rodgers’ number one goalkeeper, however you have to query for how long?

On one hand, the 36-year-old is out of contract in 2024 and his performances in Celtic colours this season have been indifferent.

From iffy performances in the Champions League to getting sent off towards Livingston, Joe Hart can’t argue in opposition to these who have criticised him.

But legendary supervisor Martin O’Neill is any one who is still a fan of the Celtic man by way of adding that he ‘still thinks he is a surely satisfactory goalkeeper’, as he told PLZ Soccer.

There are no arguments that the £1 million signing has served the club well after he was added in by using Ange Postecoglou.

Winning the Treble will by no means be topped and it’s something Joe Hart can put at the top of his listing of achievements.

But as some are indispensable of his efforts in between the sticks, he is getting the support of Martin O’Neill.

Joe Hart’s criticism at Celtic

“Joe Hart has come in for a little bit of criticism previously on,” stated O’Neill. “But I nonetheless think he is a really nice goalkeeper.”

Joe Hart’s replacement

Given the troubles Brendan Rodgers is dealing with all over the pitch, it now wouldn’t be a shock if the club waited till the summer time to convey in Hart’s replacement.

Perhaps the wise name would have been to do it in January due to the fact it then permits that player to settle in.

But given the huge modifications Rodgers desires to his under-performing squad, the center of attention will likely be elsewhere.

Rodgers and Clement want the same Portuguese striker for January, and Celtic and Rangers are “at the front of the race” for him

Celtic are set to do fighting with Rangers once again, this time for the signing of Fabio Silva from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

That’s according to O Jogo, who say the Old Firm duo are both eager on the striker as he looks to leave Molineux in the January transfer window, with Parkhead and Ibrox plausible destinations for him.

The newspaper reports that Silva is ‘preparing to depart Wolves’ when the market reopens and it appears he will be directed closer to Scottish football, the place Celtic and Rangers both have their eye on him.

The 21-year-old has another unnamed Spanish facet interested in him too, however the two Scottish teams, currently first and 2nd in the table are ‘at the front of the race’ according to O Jogo’s information.

Silva wants to go away again after barely proposing under Gary O’Neil this season and repeat the success he loved out on loan with Anderlecht and then PSV Eindhoven.

It is that which has presumably attracted Celtic and Rangers as they seem to bolster their squads for Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement.

Both sides aren’t entirely quick of options, with Celtic having Kyogo Furuhashi, Hyeon-gyu Oh and Johnny Kenny as striker selections while Rangers have Danilo, Cyriel Dessers, Kemar Roofe and Sam Lammers at their disposal, but actually see Silva as a step up on what they’ve got.

With simply two factors separating Celtic in first from Rangers in second, it’ll show to be a hard desire for Silva to make, need to they be the ones he has to pick out between as O Jogo suggest.

“I’m going to make a public statement.” Pundit believes Celtic man regrets ever joining the team

With Celtic apparently going thru a difficult spell at the moment, pundit, Ewan Cameron, believes all is no longer well behing the scenes at Parkhead.

After watching Brendan Rodgers‘ submit match interview, Cameron seen something odd about the Celtic manager and made a claim that Rodgers regrets coming again to Paradise.

Cameron stated [The Big Scottish Football Podcast], “Brendan Rodgers didn’t seem to be like he cared either. He stated he variety of anticipated it. Or it didn’t surprise him.

“I think there’s probable a combat going on behind the scenes politically. I’m additionally going to throw some thing out there.

“I suppose Brendan Rodgers these days regrets coming back. He regrets coming back. Everything about it.
“He wasn’t fully accepted when he walked via the doors. The Celtic fans had been ready to soar down his throat.

“And that’s what’s taking place proper now. And then Brendan Rodgers is now deflecting and hinting that these are no longer my players. This is now not who I favor to be playing.

“There’s Lagerbielke, they spent £3 million for him in the summer, apparently he’s up for sale in January.
“So I suppose there’s there’s a wee bit of infighting at the back of the scenes.”

Rodgers’ demeanour was once strange. Considering this was a manager who was, apparently, definitely livid with his team’s first half perfomance towards St Johnstone, the way the Celtic manager reacted after a meek home defeat in opposition to Hearts just doesn’t sit down right.

Despite bieng very honest about how the team performed, the followers would have been waiting for an agrier response from the Celtic manager.

The Celtic followers certainly made their feelings actually clear on Saturday and it seems now that Rodgers must make sure he alternatives up six factors from his subsequent two games.

With one of them being Rangers, the stress is definitely on the Celtic manager to beat his closest rival because if he doesn’t the fans will need to look at the league table over the New Year with Rangers sitting on top.

Nat Phillips, who had a bad loan experience, is returning to Liverpool

Liverpool defender Nat Phillips will return to Merseyside in January. The centre back has been up at Celtic in view that the summer season window, presenting aid to Brendan Rodgers’ backline amidst an injury crisis.

However, The Record reports that Phillips will return to his dad or mum club, citing lack of first team action.

Since arriving from Anfield, Phillips has made eight appearances and was once terrible in his cameo towards Hibs as properly as being at fault versus Killie. The huge defender has come in in spite of now not enjoying a lot of video games and has not impressed.

It is predicted that upon return to Anfield, the Englishman will be sent out on mortgage once more to get first group football.

However, Brendan Rodgers has been full of praise for the 26-year-old due to his commitment in training. The Irishman has utilised Phillips as his 1/3 defender in the back of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales. With Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke struggling to be concerned in suit day squads, Phillips departure would hopefully improve their efforts in education as they look to get into the first team.

‘A long while’: Pat Bonner reacts to Celtic fans chanting’sack the board’ during the team’s loss against Hearts

You have to say, the reaction from the Celtic followers at some point of the defeat in opposition to Hearts on Saturday used to be something that has been bubbling up for a while.

It was solely ultimate week that the gamers had been nonetheless unbeaten in the Scottish Premiership, only to suffer a deserved loss to Kilmarnock.

What has been most annoying about Celtic’s performances below Brendan Rodgers has been the lack of chew and speed in the team’s play.

Some point closer to the Celtic board and why greater cash hasn’t been spent on proven stars to take the membership forward.

But, when fans started to get restless the day gone by and chants of ‘sack the board’ have been ringing round Parkhed, Pat Bonner disagreed with it all, as he told BBC Radio Scotland (16/12/23).

The Bhoys legend referred to that he ‘didn’t like to see’ the fans arguing amongst themselves, which sparked in the 2nd half.

At 2-0 down, any other poor displaying from the team, and no response after the break, the followers were solely going to react in one way. And you can’t blame them!

But Pat Bonner was also keen to mention that the group is still sitting pinnacle of the Scottish Premiership table.

Celtic fans chant ‘sack the board’

“I suppose somebody is having a go at the Celtic board,” said Bonner as the crowd began to get restless.

Then when the first rounds of ‘sack the board’ chants went round the ground: “They are still in a role (to win the league). It’s nevertheless too early.

“It has been a whilst in view that I have viewed that response – we lost a lot of focal point there round the game. I have obtained to say, thinking about Celtic are nonetheless top of the league – I don’t like to see the followers arguing amongst themselves.”

Celtic v Livingston

There is now going to be huge, large strain on the players against Livingston subsequent Saturday.

You feel that the team have to get out of the traps from the get-go, or else, the players will sense strain like never before.

Three games remain earlier than the year is out – Livingston, away at Dundee and then Rangers.

Just win those matches, and whilst it doesn’t alternate much, it does add a feel-good component returned into the membership due to the fact it is truly needed right now.

Despite Rangers’ comeback under Clement, the Celtic icon is still confident in the title contest

The former Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers boss is tipping his historical club to raise the Scottish Premiership title again.

After a massive week in European football and a cup remaining taking location this Sunday, now not to mention various key Premiership fixtures for both sides, it is perhaps easy to overlook the first Old Firm derby is quickly approaching.

Celtic and Rangers will go head-to-head at Celtic Park in their remaining fixture of 2023 on December 30 in a in shape that, as ever, is possibly to have huge ramifications on the title race. The Hoops currently have a 5 factor lead over their Glasgow opponents however Philippe Clement’s guys do have a game in hand.

Last weekend’s defeat to Kilmarnock for the reigning champions, mixed with the fact that the Gers have not misplaced a healthy since the Frenchman’s arrival, has many predicting a title race that could go the distance. However, on Celtic legend remains assured that his ancient membership will as soon as again go on and raise the trophy at the stop of the season.

Paul Lambert used to be talking to Betway and believes that the Hoops are still very tons ‘favourites’ to win the league. He said: “It’ll be very hard to claw the title-fight again if they lose the subsequent Old Firm game. This will be Phillipe Clement’s first trip of the Old Firm, whereas Brendan and the Celtic gamers know all about it.

“There will additionally be a ban on Rangers followers – some thing it’s crazy to me as followers are such a huge part of the rivalry. We saw the equal element happen at Ibrox returned in May – and I assume that was once terrible, too.

“Clement is strolling into a recreation the place his global ride means nothing. This sport is specific from any different because of what it stands for. If Celtic win, I suppose they’re in the drivers’ seat. If Rangers get a result, then the title race will be back on. However, I still suppose Celtic are favourites as they’re at home.”

‘He isn’t going anywhere’: John Hartson identifies a Celtic player who is here to stay

Callum McGregor has been Mr Reliable and Mr Consistent in Celtic colorations for a variety of years now.

That fresh-faced teenager, who went on-loan to Notts County in 2013 and performed alongside Jack Grealish, is now proudly the Celtic captain and guiding the crew to trophy after trophy.

After 443 appearances for Celtic in all competitions, John Hartson thinks these numbers will accelerate even similarly and he will end his career at Parkhead, as he told Go Radio.

At the age of 30, this is Callum McGregor at the top of his powers.

There is no purpose for him to pass somewhere else due to the fact he is playing his excellent football, the captain of his boyhood club, enjoying in Europe’s elite opposition and prevailing trophies galore.

And even as ‘nothing surprises’ John Hartson in the game, in regards to players transferring at any time, he is certain about Callum McGregor.

Callum McGregor’s Celtic career

“The one players you seem at inside this Celtic side,” stated Hartson. “You seem to be at McGregor. He is a stay, he isn’t going anywhere, in my opinion.

“He is in there. He is captain. Celtic via and through. He has been here all his career. I would assume anybody like that would end his career at Celtic.

Important few weeks for Celtic

That win over Feyenoord was once crucial, not simply because it stops talk of Celtic being winless in Europe, however it was also a first-rate response from the weekend.

But heading towards that Rangers recreation on December 30, the crew have a number of huge games coming up, beginning with Hearts at the weekend.

Yes, the unbeaten streak is over in the Scottish Premiership. But if that draw with Motherwell, first-half displaying against St Johnstone and defeat in opposition to Kilmarnock is the worst of it, then carry the rest of it on.

Wretched bastards! John Hartson responds angrily to his television detractors

Other than placing the ball in the net John Hartson appreciated nothing higher than a precise 50-50 undertaking on the park- or a 40-60 to make it interesting.

He revelled in the physical challenges, a £2m teenage signing at Arsenal, scoring in a European ultimate at the age of 20 and up towards the odds almost every time that he pulled on the red jersey of Wales. He cherished it.

In retirement, in his thirties he defied the odds in his best ever battle, against cancer. Looking at him these days you’d by no means think about what he went thru in the summer season of 2009.

Some keyboard warriors are effortless meat for massive John, if people don’t like his enthusiasm for working on Celtic Champions League suits that is their problem. He ain’t going to exchange his style for a seat on the Sportscene sofa.

Late on Wednesday night large John put is thoughts collectively alternatively well interior one tweet.

Been doin co comms for 17years.. 3 major tournaments.. 3 years with 5 live.. 40 games a season. Still people will always look to criticise.. instead of giving praise when your spot on.. World we live in.. sad bastards ! Well played Celtic 👍🏻

— John Hartson (@JohnHartson10) December 13, 2023

In distinction to Hartson, Rob MacLean sounded like he had lost out to Rory Hamilton in a draw for a area on the TNT Sport Christmas jolly to Seville.

Other than the tired old Champions League facts that Celtic fans are very familiar with MacLean had nothing to add to last night’s viewing.

While the snipers tip away Hartson has a very full diary as his views are sought on European matches, the EPL and Wales worldwide matches. He also speaks Welsh.

⏱️ 𝟵𝟬+𝟭

Celtic have their first #UCL win at home in over ten years 🙌 pic.twitter.com/D0CUpDH5Mk

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 13, 2023

Brendan Rodgers’s Celtic future is closely scrutinised on TV, but his unwavering queries are met with clear replies

Reshmin Chowdhury has already caught the ire of the Parkhead fans this term after a brutal stats bomb was dropped.

TNT Sports presenter Reshmin Chowdhury went two-footed in on Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers before the Champions League clash with Feyenoord – earlier than a late winner saw her flip the script.

Chowdhury left the Parkhead fans in disbelief on matchday 5 following late heartbreak at the arms of Lazio when she slaughtered Rodgers – and also started up Neil Lennon. The Irishman used to be on punditry duty as the miserable winless run in European competitions stretched to 15 games as they bowed out of the Champions League.

And earlier than the healthy she stuck the boot in on the Parkhead boss once once more as she clashed with Lennon over the future of Rodgers following the give up of the Hoops’ European campaign. After rhyming off the painful states from the Group E campaign, she asked Lennon: “How a lot strain is Brendan Rodgers beneath then?”

Lennon tried to snigger off the question, as he said: “At Celtic you are always two defeats away from a crisis, but I don’t suppose any huge quantity of pressure – in particular from the board…” However, the host cut in.

She threw again to the criticism of Rodgers after he left for Leicester City – and how his return cut up the Parkhead fan base. She quizzed: “What about the fans? Because of the way he left and got here back, now not everybody universally loved the notion of having him lower back at Celtic.”

Lennon replied: “That is authentic however Brendan is an elite supervisor and he has verified that. There is a rebuilding manner and he will be disappointed with the Champions League campaign, there is no question of that, however to say he is under pressure – below scrutiny extra than anything.

“We are out of Europe now, it would be fantastic to win this recreation and it would be important – however the whole focal point on that will be on attempting to hold the championship again and the strain will begin to build for the give up of the month with Rangers in town.”

However, following the full-time whistle and Gustaf Lagerbielke’s late winner she flipped the script stating: “Only his second win in the Champions League for Celtic – I suggest that is large for him in phrases of relieving a little bit of strain on him.”

Lennon responded: “No question. Brendan wishes to be at the best level and be profitable at the perfect level. He will see this as a constructing block.”

Chris Sutton responds to Celtic’s Champions League victory, saying, “The rot has stopped.”

Chris Sutton stored tabs on Celtic’s Champions League conflict against Feyenoord from the London International Horse Show tonight.

The former striker has watched his old membership suffer a decade of distress in UEFA’s elite competition as they took some heavy beatings while coming close to breaking the long going for walks mission for their first home win considering the fact that October 2013 towards Feyenoord.

There used to be nothing at stake tonight besides for a 2-8m euro payout with Celtic anchored in backside spot with Feyenoord looking ahead to Europa League football in the new year.

Well at least the home record rot has stopped even if it was a dead rubber. Worst ever as a player going into a game with just pride to play for and to the player’s credit they did that🍀

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) December 13, 2023

Luis Palma opened the scoring with a 33rd minute penalty however the Dutch champions regarded to have secured a factor in the 82nd minute when Yankuba Minteh shot home unmarked from 12 yards out.

That looked like any other difficult success story for the hoops however right on the 90th minute Gus Lagerbielke headed home from shut range after being picked out through a extraordinary go from Matt O’Riley.

After eight minutes of stoppage time Celtic, and Sutton with the horses, had been able to celebrate.

Kyogo’s goal drought is not his fault, Brendan Rodgers tells Celtics critics, explaining in detail why the star isn’t scoring

Kyogo hasn’t hit the goal for the Hoops considering the fact that a 6-0 win over Aberdeen in November.

Brendan Rodgers has revealed Kyogo Furuhashi will lead Celtic’s assault towards Feyenoord – and insisted he’s not to blame for the striker’s current intention drought.

Rodgers left the Japanese talisman on the bench for Sunday’s shock defeat at Kilmarnock after losing him out of the group for remaining week’s home win over Hibs. But the Parkhead boss tested on Tuesday night Kyogo will be pitched again in from the begin for his side’s final Champions League game of a catastrophic marketing campaign against the Dutch large guns in Glasgow’s east end.

And he rubbished any suggestion that his own tactical approach has been immediately to blame for a miserable run which has considered Kyogo net only as soon as in Celtic’s last 10 games. Asked if Kyogo will change Oh Hyeon-gyu in his assault Rodgers replied: “He will play. We have to be truthful to Kyogo and some of the other boys as well. They can’t play in every single game. You lose that speed and intensity.

“Oh’s executed well when he’s come into the game. A bit like Mikey, he gets his start and then obviously the team performs nicely in opposition to Hibs so you let that beginning crew begin apart from Cameron Carter-Vickers with a view to making changes.

‘But you need a properly squad and you need to give some relief to players, mainly with him and the quantity of work he receives through.”

Rodgers has been blamed for this drop off for deploying Kyogo in a deeper function than the one which was once earmarked for him through former boss Ange Postecoglou. But the supervisor hit lower back by insisting Kyogo has gone against his personal instructions.

He said: “We went via his video stuff the other week. We appeared chiefly at the fact I don’t need him shedding in so much. When you’re playing in a lot of video games where groups are sat deep, you don’t get a kick of the ball actually until it comes into the box.

“So what do you do? You begin wandering. His energy is his penetration. That’s his strength, running in in the back of and timing his runs. You have to make 10 runs maybe to solely get in once however that’s your job as a striker.

“So there’s been nothing changed in that. There’s been without a doubt nothing different asked of him due to the fact his power is enjoying off the ultimate line, timing his actions and being instinctive in the box.

“He’s now not a dribbler, he’s now not any one who does drop in. He can do it however it’s not his strength. And that’s continually the assignment for a striker who wants to affect games. But he’s very receptive. He’s not a baby, remember, he’s 28 years of age.”

Rodgers additionally printed that neither Cameron Carter-Vickers nor Daizen Maeda will make the squad for tonight’s tie, notwithstanding rejoining the squad in training the previous day after harm layoffs. He said: “They won’t be concerned tomorrow. Cameron trained this morning, however it is probable too an awful lot of a risk. He will be reachable for the weekend.”

That capacity Nat Phillips is likely to begin towards the Eredivisie champs regardless of a shaky performance capped off by an personal purpose in the Rugby Park defeat. But Rodgers insist the blame for that loss stops at the manager’s door.

He said: “Listen, I think it is a collective. It can by no means be pointed at one player. I thought in the first half we performed very well. We played with exact velocity and should have scored extra than one goal.

“But from the very outset of the 2d half of we didn’t play. If there is all of us to blame for the result, blame me. It is down to the manager to pick out the team. No, it was a disappointing result.”

Another team has now formally offered to sign a “outstanding” Celtic player in the bidding battle – report

One Celtic player is starting to come to be a target remote places beforehand of the New Year, with any other club making an offer for his services.

Celtic switch update

The Hoops have been busy over the summer following Brendan Rodgers’ return to Parkhead, with a range of additions being made in multiple areas of the pitch.

Alongside all the arrivals, there were also some departees, and the club without a doubt made a profit in the summer, mainly due to Jota’s big-money exit to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad. As nicely as Jota, Celtic additionally obtained prices for Carl Starfelt, Albian Ajeti and Conor Hazard, and via the looks of things, the club ought to soon convey in cash for another player in 2024.

Celtic outcast Yosuke Ideguchi made the cross again to Japan until now this year, joining Avispa Fukuoka back in February. Since then, reports have claimed that the J1 League prefer to secure his services on a permanent deal.

However, in a new Celtic switch update from Japan, relayed via The Glasgow Times, the Hoops have already obtained an provide from Avispa Fukuoka and now fellow Japanese aspect Vissel Kobe are also stated to have made a “formal offer” for the midfielder.

Yosuke Ideguchi’s profession at Celtic

Ideguchi arrived in Glasgow returned in January 2022 and is under contract until 2026, however, things haven’t worked out for the Japan international. He has ignored a variety of video games via damage due to the fact placing pen to paper in Scotland and has made just six senior appearances in inexperienced and white. His injury problems have endured while on mortgage at Avispa Fukuoka.

Former Greuther Furth boss Damir Buric previously heaped reward on the player, though, saying:

“In regards to Yosuke, I can only speak the best. He is an exquisite individual with top notch character. First of all I was very impressed with the way he got here returned from that serious injury. What impressed me most was once the way he was working for the duration of his time out with the injury.

“It was simply unbelievable, nearly like soldier. He confirmed such a remarkable attitude and high-quality approach. He was extraordinarily disciplined, took in each and every additional coaching session of bodily rehabilitation and invested all of his time in getting returned as quickly as he perchance could.”

He appears to be a player with quality when fully fit, however, unfortunately, Celtic haven’t viewed that model of the participant enough, so a everlasting exit ought to make sense for all involved in 2024, whether that be with Avispa Fukuoka or Vissel Kobe, making this one to watch.