Celtic Star Issues Apology

Celtic have eight players representing the club at the World Cup, but for one star, it was an opening game to forget.

Sebastian Tounekti has apologised to Tunisia supporters after a nightmare start to their World Cup campaign saw them thrashed 5-1 by Sweden.

The Celtic winger came up against Hoops teammate Benjamin Nygren in Tunisia’s Group F opener in the early hours of Monday, but it was Nygren who ended the night on the winning side as Sweden made a flying start to the tournament.

The result was a brutal one for Tunisia, and the fallout was immediate. Head coach Sabri Lamouchi was relieved of his duties following the defeat, leaving the North Africans facing an uphill battle if they are to reach the knockout stages.

Tounekti was named among the substitutes and was introduced after 72 minutes with Tunisia already trailing 3-1. By the final whistle, the damage had worsened, with Sweden adding two more goals to complete the rout.

Nygren had already been withdrawn by that point, his work done as Sweden cruised towards an emphatic victory.

Tounekti took to social media to address supporters directly. He said (@sebastiantounekti on Instagram):

“Not good enough yesterday. Sorry to our fans.

“We’ll give everything to bounce back against Japan.”

It is a straightforward message, but one that reflects the scale of the task now facing Tunisia.

Their next outing carries even greater significance after the opening-day collapse, and it will also provide another Celtic connection on the World Cup stage.

Japan are next up, with Daizen Maeda set to line up against his club teammate.

Maeda started Japan’s opening Group F clash against the Netherlands and played 66 minutes as the sides shared a 2-2 draw. The result leaves Japan in a far stronger position heading into the second round of fixtures, knowing victory over Tunisia would all but guarantee a spot in the next round.

For Tounekti and Tunisia, there is little room for error.

The World Cup has provided plenty of Celtic interest already, with several current Hoops players involved across the tournament.

There could be more Celtic representation to come in the days ahead.

Kieran Tierney and Anthony Ralston were unused substitutes as Scotland opened with a win over Haiti, but Steve Clarke may be tempted to freshen things up for the tougher challenge against Morocco.

If he does, both Celtic defenders could be in line for their first appearances of the tournament.