Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was left frustrated and made his feelings clear on the touchline after Reo Hatate limped off injured late in Wednesday’s 5-1 victory over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The game, already comfortably in Celtic’s control following a second-half red card for Aberdeen’s Alfie Dorrington, boiled over in the closing stages as tempers flared in the home ranks. First, a reckless tackle on Luke McCowan raised tensions, before Pape Gueye launched into a heavy challenge on Hatate, who had only come on as a substitute as part of Rodgers’ rotation plans.
The Japanese midfielder was left in visible discomfort and had an ice pack strapped to his knee as he left the pitch. Rodgers made his displeasure known to the fourth official immediately after the incident.
Speaking after the match on Sky Sports, the Celtic boss said: “It was a poor challenge, to be fair, for the guy. He’d obviously lost his head a wee bit at the end and Reo has just sort of left his leg there with the ball and the guy’s come right through him.”
“So we’ll have to see how he is. But yeah, it was a disappointing challenge.”
The timing of the injury will be a concern for Rodgers and the coaching staff with Celtic’s season entering its final phase. Hatate has been a key player for the Hoops, particularly in recent weeks, and any absence would be a blow heading into Saturday’s trophy day against St Mirren and the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen at Hampden the following weekend.
The incident capped what had been a largely positive night for Celtic, who showcased their depth with goals from Maik Nawrocki, Yang Hyun-jun, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and Adam Idah.
Celtic fans will now await further updates on Hatate’s condition in the hope the injury does not derail what could be a historic end to the season.
Need to give a mention to young McArdle…I thought he looked a class act with every touch.
Agreed!