Micah Richards defends Joe Hart after Jamie Carragher questions Celtic star after Lazio defeat

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Micah Richards has defended Joe Hart for the role he played in Celtic’s 2-0 defeat to Lazio in the UEFA Champions League.

The former Manchester City defender saluted Ciro Immobile for his stunning brace from the bench and ‘what he a player’ has been for Lazio – John Hartson also reacted to the defeat.

But for the second goal Celtic conceded, Jamie Carragher asked Micah Richards whether his former club teammate, Joe Hart, could have done better.

Of course, it has been an indifferent season for the 36-year-old, including his error on the opening night of the Champions League away at Feyenoord – that saw Micah Richards and Thierry Henry clashing over the Englishman.

But this time, the former right-back made it clear that Joe Hart’s positioning for Ciro Immobile’s second goal was ‘fantastic’ and the goal was down to a ‘great finish’, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (28/11/23 at 10:35 pm). 

Whilst criticism can be levelled at Joe Hart this season, including from Chris Sutton, he couldn’t do anything about those two goals.

Micah Richards on Lazio v Celtic

“It was that man Immobile,” said Richards. “I mean, what a player he has been over the years. 

“The goal is really something special. The movement was outstanding and then he gets his first goal. 

“His second goal was even better. He twists and turns (Cameron Carter-Vickers). Fakes to shoot and a lovely finish by slotting it home.”

Jamie Carragher asked the former Manchester City defender ‘Could your mate (Joe Hart) have done anymore there?’

To which Micah Richards responded: “No, Joe Hart couldn’t have done anything there. His positioning was fantastic. It was just down to a great finish.”

The opening game set the tone

That defeat to Feyenoord, and the manner of it, including the sending-offs, just set the tone for the rest of the campaign.

It’s pretty frustrating that there is only one point on the board, but the team has shot itself in the foot again and again.

Liam Scales was pretty confident before the match, but in truth, the defeat was deserved.

And some would even argue if Ciro Immobile started, then the tie would have been over quicker – the Italy star was slammed by Alan Brazil for his actions.