‘Absolutely garbage’ – Celtic fans fume at starter who ‘had a nightmare’ against Livingston
Reo Hatate’s disappointing season continued as he nearly caused Celtic to drop points by giving away a penalty in their 2-1 win against Livingston.
Celtic needed to beat bottom side Livingston on Wednesday night to keep the pace with Hearts and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Marcelo Saracchi gave them a dream start as he netted his first goal for the club in the 15th minute, but Hatate allowed Livi back into the game as he gave away a penalty in the second half.
Robbie Muirhead converted the spot-kick for 1-1, but Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who recently signed for Celtic after being a free agent, capped off his debut with an added-time winner to seal all three points.
Celtic remain six points behind Hearts and one away from Rangers after their draw with Motherwell, but many supporters do not want to see Hatate involved much more this term after his poor showing.
Reo Hatate gave away a sloppy penalty to allow Livingston an equaliser
Hatate has been at Celtic for four years now, following a January 2022 move from Kawasaki Frontale, and he has been a regular starter in Premiership and European games for the club throughout that time.
Celtic fans have slammed Hatate for his recent performances, though, and his woes did not let up against Livingston after he came on for the injured Arne Engels in the 32nd minute.
He struggled to make an impact against a team with just 11 league points accrued all season, then handed them a fine opportunity to score as he conceded a spot kick for a clear foul on Muirhead in the 56th minute.
Hatate tried to clear the ball as it bounced loosely in Celtic’s penalty area, but managed to kick through the striker, who then scored to make it 1-1.
His blushes were spared by new man Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s late heroics to nick a win, but many Hoops supporters were fuming with Hatate after another lacklustre showing.
Celtic fans fume at Hatate after penalty drama – ‘Totally disinterested’
Hatate has previously been linked with a Premier League move in the past, and many Hoops supporters would seemingly be happy to see him depart this summer based off his performances this season.
Taking to X to react to his latest poor outing, one fan said: “Hatate is currently at a point beyond playing poor, he is genuinely contributing more against celtic than for celtic. Quite an incredible turnaround of events.”
While another added: “Hatate is a liability these days. Looks totally disinterested.”
And one said: “Why, why, why must we continue to play Hatate? He is worse than useless!!!!“