‘Absolute melt’ – Celtic fans in meltdown after what ‘schoolboy’ Kasper Schmeichel did vs Bologna

Kasper Schmeichel has previously left Celtic supporters frustrated, and their Europa League clash with Bologna was no different on Thursday.

Martin O’Neill is back in charge at Celtic Park, taking over from Wilfried Nancy after the Frenchman’s dismal tenure in Scotland, and he will be extremely proud of the 2-2 draw on 22 January.

Celtic fans were furious with Reo Hatate against Dundee United, but it was the Japanese international who scored the opener, becoming the beneficiary of a massive blunder from the opponent’s goalkeeper.

However, he had an issue of his own in the first half, picking up two very quick yellow cards and, therefore, being sent off, but it was Schmeichel who was under early fire during the draw.

Kasper Schmeichel still takes criticism despite key saves

Despite making several smart saves, the former Leicester City man’s distribution left a lot to be desired, putting his teammates under some heavy pressure

A supporter labelled one of his passes as a “suicide ball,” with many others becoming frustrated by his inconsistency when trying to find teammates from his own penalty area.

Another accused the goalkeeper of changing the “momentum of the game” against the Hoops, with his wayward passes, but O’Neill’s side still managed to double their lead with 10 players at the other end.

• @jimbobnbh: “Started really well, but all of this pressure and shift in momentum has come from that suicidal pass up the middle from Schmeichel to Hatate. Schoolboy basics.”
• @Mikey_McFarlane: “Once again, a Schmeichel pass has completely changed the momentum of the game against us. Horrific distribution and decision-making.”
• @JosephT1888: “Schmeichel should only have a ball played to his feet as an absolute last resort. He causes us massive problems with dwelling on it, then making dreadful passes.”

Celtic star’s stats prove he performs where it counts most

Nobody is denying that Schmeichel’s passing leaves a lot to be desired, with the Danish international ending the game with 47 per cent accuracy with the ball at his feet [FotMob].

However, with seven saves to his name, scuppering multiple of Bologna’s attacks, his experience shone through where it mattered, with the ball being fired at his gloves.

In one instance, the goalkeeper batted a volley away with one fist, being almost nonchalant about the save, while also making nine recoveries and three diving saves.

The defenders in front of him also deserve a special mention, as well, with several blocks being made and multiple bodies being thrown in the way, and it was all worth it for a point on the road.

Celtic can certainly improve on Schmeichel when it comes to ball-playing goalkeepers, but when it comes down to making saves, there are very few who can perform like the 39-year-old.

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