Celtic scored a vital away goal in their Europa League play-off against Suduva in Lithuania, but they were also guilty of some shocking defending – perhaps the story of their season so far – as they drew 1-1.
One of the worst offenders was 24-year-old centre-back Jozo Simunovic, who limped off injured in the second half, and fans flocked onto Twitter to let him know what they thought of him.
Brendan Rodgers was critical of his side’s defending after the 1-1 draw and it’s fast becoming a familiar refrain after their inability to defend from a basic set piece led to them being dumped out of the Champions League and into the Europa with rivals Rangers.
The same thing came back to haunt them on Thursday night after Olivier Ntcham’s early goal after just three minutes fooled supporters into thinking it was going to be an easy night.
Celtic should still go through but they’ll need to defend a lot better this season.
Here are the best reactions to Simunovic’s display on Thursday:
Absolute State of That performance tonight. That’s not an acceptable result. Celtic absolutely woeful man. Serious investment needed in that defence. Simunovic is poor as is Lustig. Ajer needs a decent partner and no current CB offers that.
— Stefan (@MrStefanCarlin) August 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/jedmarr8892/status/1032691297277108231
Hopefully that’s Simunovic played his last game for Celtic
— Nathan (@nath1888) August 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/JonathanEFC1982/status/1032677203807535105
https://twitter.com/Skyseller67/status/1032678099048189953
Ajer & Simunovic……….. pic.twitter.com/tZwv1D59Zj
— DC? (@thebigbhuna) August 23, 2018
https://twitter.com/LiamKing_95/status/1032684240524242944
https://twitter.com/jonbz/status/1032683199065989120
Simunovic is a shadow of the player he was for some inexplicable reason. Ajer is still inexperienced and making mistakes. Hendry [i'm sorry] is mince. Boyata is gone. where is Compper. and at RB Lustig is finished and Gamboa is bang average
— SPFL Banter ??????? (@splbanter) August 23, 2018
Honestly this Simunovic guy… Pathetic on the ball
— Gerry Johnston (@gjsportsblog) August 23, 2018