Alan Brazil blasts Ciro Immobile’s ‘absolute joke’ actions during Celtic’s defeat to Lazio

Add as preferred source on Google

Alan Brazil wasn’t best pleased with Ciro Immobile’s ’time-wasting’ as Celtic crashed out of Europe at the hands of Lazio on Tuesday night.

To the surprise of many, Lazio’s legendary forward was on the bench for the crucial Champions League showdown against Celtic – Maurizio Sarri reacted post-match. 

Even though the 33-year-old played only half an hour, he punished Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic side with a brace and inflicted another post-Christmas without Europe for the team.

During Ciro Immobile’s celebrations, he proceeded to jump the fence and celebrate with the fans and Alan Brazil was annoyed that he wasn’t punished or given a yellow card, as he told talkSPORT Breakfast (29/11/23 at 6:30 am).

The Celtic-mad pundit labelled it an ‘absolute joke’ because he thought the Italy star was ‘time-wasting’.

It was another evening of VAR controversy, not in Celtic’s game, but with Newcastle United conceding a late and questionable stoppage-time penalty during their 1-1 draw against PSG.

Week by week, officials are coming under more stick and pressure, with Alan Brazil expressing his thoughts on his latest gripe.

Ciro Immobile against Celtic

“They won’t listen,” said Brazil about VAR issues after PSG-Newcastle. “The other thing that is killing me is this 102 minutes and stuff like that. I have just had enough of this.

“Here’s another one, whatever happened to time-wasting? Immobile, he scores, jumps the fence, he is there for about three minutes. 

“Does he get a yellow for that? That’s all gone out of the window now. Absolute joke.”

What next for Celtic?

Well, it’s back to domestic action and focusing on trying to, at the very least, secure another title.

After dropping points against Motherwell last time out, three points are a must against St Johnstone at the weekend. 

The Champions League format changes next season, with more money on offer, so it’s even more paramount that Celtic book their ticket.

The hurt and annoyance of getting knocked out early will still linger over the team even if the title is delivered because this is a long-term problem that needs sorting out.