By Amir Mir
Celtic supporters criticised Moussa Dembele for his languid run-up which led to his penalty being saved against Barcelona in Tuesday’s Champions League clash.
With the Hoops 1-0 down at Camp Nou, Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen saved Dembele’s spot-kick, and Lionel Messi rubbed salt into Celtic wounds when he scored minutes later to double his side’s lead.
Earlier on the Argentine had scored with his first touch inside three minutes as the Celtic defence gave him too much space inside the penalty area.
Dembele had scored a hat-trick on Saturday afternoon against Rangers in the Old Firm derby, which the Bhoys won 5-1, but the youngster quickly turned from hero to villain with his penalty miss.
Other supporters were annoyed that Dembele opted for a stuttering run-up, and claimed he should have just blasted the ball in the back of the net.
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Another fan pointed out that the 20-year-old was under different pressures than usual, as he had a big chance to level the scoring in front of 80,000+ supporters at one of world football’s grandest stages.
The Scottish champions went into the half-time break 2-0 down, with Messi scoring both goals as manager Brendan Rodgers had a difficult start to his European campaign.
Here is a selection of supporters reacting to Demeble’s penalty miss on Twitter:
You're a professional footballer – just pick a spot. Penalties don't need to be made any easier with staggered run-ups #dembele #celtic
— Stu (@StuRobarts) September 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/amcgarrity21/status/775774371575164928
https://twitter.com/MrMartinSo/status/775776427794989059
Dembele slammed his PK's v Motherwell & Astana (a more pressure packed one than this). Just slam it son. #celtic #UCL
— John Bradshaw (@JBLuvsCeltic) September 13, 2016
That's what happens at this level. Don't take your chances then boom 2-0 down!! Why is Dembele not hammering that!!! #Celtic #UCL
— Nico Gualeldi (@NicoG91) September 13, 2016
Dembele why?????#UCL
Barcelona 2-0 Celtic— HARRYÑIGHT (@RealHarryNight) September 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/glen_united/status/775775352350203905
Barca walked that ball into that Celtic net.fine margins.Dembele shd have been clinical on that spot.😏
— Jonathan Micheal (@Jo_nuh) September 13, 2016
In other Celtic team news, Scott Sinclair has backed his Hoops teammate to go on to be a superstar.
