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‘Is a disgrace’: John Hartson is absolutely fuming at Celtic player
As the anger amongst the Celtic fans continues at dropping points against Kilmarnock at Parkhead, John Hartson was absolutely fuming at one player’s part in the equalising goal.
The three points looked to be staying at Celtic Park despite a nervy last 20 minutes but Craig Watson’s header snatched one and Hartson knows exactly who was to blame in an outstanding live radio rant.
Hartson said [The Go Radio Football Show], “They should never concede that equaliser to Kilmarnock. It’s a long ball hoofed through the middle and they lose the first header.
“Then it goes to the left-sided player. He puts it in, [Alexandro] Bernabei is a disgrace. He doesn’t even challenge Watson for the goal. If you’re left back in that position at the last minute, you are giving everything to stop a goal.
“This could cost Celtic the title. It doesn’t mean enough. It’s got to matter more. You’ve got to defend your goal as a defender with your life.
“It’s got to really upset you. It’s got to really annoy you. And I just see Brendan just talking as if he’s really calm.
“I don’t know Brendan might be having a pop at the players in the dressing room but that equaliser should never have been conceded.”
Alexandro Bernabei’s Celtic career looks over
I know many of you will think this as well and others may well see this as being harsh but I can’t see any way back for the Argentinian left-back.
Brendan Rodgers himself admitted that Bernabei has had a tough time at Celtic over the past two seasons. 28 appearances since signing in 2022 shows that even Ange Postecoglou didn’t fancy him despite shelling out almost £4m on the player.
This season, Bernabei has been played out of necessity rather than earning his place and the fact that Rodgers had no hesitation in throwing Greg Taylor back in the minute he recovered from his injury despite possibly lacking match fitness tells you all you need to know.
Look, I feel for him. I really do. It’s not his fault Celtic spent big money on him. It’s not his fault he is not good enough to play for the club. That’s the fault of the recruitment department.
However, that doesn’t mean that he is immune to criticism for basic errors that cost Celtic dearly against Aberdeen and Hibs.
This summer Celtic will probably look to offload Bernabei and find a better replacement. In fact, they must because Rodgers cannot be left in another position next season where he has to rely on a player who is clearly not of the standard required at Celtic domestically and in Europe.
