Many Celtic fans have been fuming at the substitution of Diego Laxalt in the club’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan in the UEFA Europa League.
The Hoops lost 3-1 to the Rossoneri in the group stages of the Europa League on Thursday. Rade Krunic had opened the scoring for Stefano Pioli’s men and Brahim Diaz made it 2-0. Mohamed Elyounoussi pulled one back but Jens Petter Hauge made it 3-1 in stoppage time (as per BBC Sport).
Laxalt had featured in the game but the Uruguayan was taken off in the second half. The Celtic Twitter account relayed a tweet about the fact that Laxalt was being substituted and this post caught the attention of many Celtic fans. They made their opinion clear about this decision.
What did Celtic fans make of Laxalt’s substitution?
Sackable offence especially when chasing a goal???? must shut his eyes and point his fingers at the team sheet
— Jack Mcilveen (@mcilveen9jack) October 22, 2020
Was Lennon right to substitute Laxalt?
Yes
No
Should be sacked on the button after doing this substitution
— Alex Groves (@alexgroves00) October 22, 2020
get a grip
— chloe (@chloarchi) October 22, 2020
Absolutely clueless decision
— Craig (@Baxterinho) October 22, 2020
Laxalt joined Celtic on loan from Milan in the summer transfer window. He made his debut against Rangers in the Old Firm derby and his appearance against the Rossoneri was only his second game for the Bhoys (as per Transfermarkt).
According to Whoscored, Laxalt had picked up a rating of 7.89 in the game against Milan on Thursday. Some other Celtic fans were also angry at Neil Lennon’s decision to take the Uruguayan off.
Truly baffling decision
— Aidan (@CFCAlDAN) October 22, 2020
Struggling to see why he made this sub
— John Young ?????????? (@TheJingerOne) October 22, 2020
Considering that Laxalt picked up the highest rating for Celtic and he was the highest-rated player in the whole game as well, it is understandable why these Hoops fans are annoyed at Lennon for substituting the loan signing.
Laxalt though was on a yellow card and he had picked it up in the 65th minute. So even though it was an impressive performance from him, Lennon might have wanted to protect him from picking up another booking, and perhaps that is why he took Laxalt off in the second half.