Chris Sutton slams Kasper Schmeichel after goalkeeping horror show for Celtic vs Braga
Chris Sutton is not happy with Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel for his role in Braga’s first goal against his side in the Europa League.
Kasper Schmeichel has been Celtic‘s first-choice goalkeeper since his arrival in 2024 on a free transfer after he had left Anderlecht.
He kept 24 clean sheets in 49 appearances in his debut campaign at the club, earning plaudits for his impressive performances despite his veteran status at 37-years-old.
Football Insider revealed in the summer that Schmeichel’s form had ruled Celtic out of a move for Martin Dubravka, and he has started this term as Brendan Rodgers‘ first-choice inbetween the sticks once more.
Schmeichel has also been trusted to play for the Hoops in European competition, and Thursday (2 October) night’s Europa League clash against Braga was no different, but he dropped a clanger and was criticised by club legend Chris Sutton as a result.
Sutton highlights Schmeichel’s poor positioning after Ricardo Horta’s long-range goal
Celtic started the better side against their Portuguese opponents at Parkhead, but their decent early work was undone in the 21st minute as Ricardo Horta’s hopeful effort from distance could not be stopped by Schmeichel for 1-0.
Replays showed that the Dane should have done better as he failed to anticipate the ball’s trajectory and then tried to reach it with his hand that was further away.
Celtic legend Sutton took to his X account in the immediate aftermath of the goal to question Schmeichel’s role in the opener, saying: “Schmeichel shouldn’t be beaten from there…“
Things did not get any better for the Hoops as the Dane conceded again in the second-half and Braga walked away with three points after a 2-0 win.
Brendan Rodgers has praised and stood by Schmeichel after previous criticism
Schmeichel has done a lot in the game that has earned him respect up to this point in his career, as he was part of Leicester‘s shock 2016 title-winning side and has earned 116 Denmark caps in the last 12 years.
He last faced major criticism in March as he being accused of being out of shape by Danish media after Schmeichel suffered an injury in a 5-2 loss to Portugal, but Rodgers stood by his keeper in the face of those questioning him.
He said: “All I know is the reason I brought him here, knowing him so well, is because he’s still a top-class keeper. If you look at his performance level for us over the course of the season, he’s been absolutely brilliant. In big games, he’s made big performances. And for me, he still has that hunger and that desire to play.
“When criticism comes as a coach, manager, player, sometimes it’s not civil. Sometimes, it’s personal, sadly. But I know his character and mentality, and I know how determined he’ll be to come back.”
This Braga game may well see some Celtic supporters question the veteran’s ability at the top level at his age, but Rodgers is sure to stick by the keeper who has served him so well in Scotland and at Leicester in recent years.