Peter Schmeichel has defended Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart for the role he played in Lazio’s stoppage-time winner in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
The legendary shot-stopper was asked by Jamie Carragher if Celtic’s Joe Hart should have saved Pedro’s headed goal.
But he made it clear that ‘Joe Hart can’t do much’, whilst also joking that ‘I would never criticise’ the 36-year-old because ‘he is Micah Richards’ best friend’, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (04/10/23 at 10:40 pm)
Whilst Celtic’s main man between the sticks wasn’t at fault for the Lazio defeat, he was during the loss to Feyenoord last time out.
That saw a certain Thierry Henry criticise the former England number one, but he was defended by his former Manchester City teammate, Micah Richards.
That’s why Peter Schmeichel was keen to mention Richards’ ‘best friend’ when discussing Celtic’s result last night.
Joe Hart against Lazio
“Celtic losing at home, at this point it’s 1-1, then have a look at the time, it’s 90+5,” said Schmeichel when analysing the highlights. “Celtic have just had a disallowed goal for a very marginal offside, then Pedro scores.”
Then Jamie Carragher asked about the Pedro goal: “What do you think of the goalkeeper?”
“He can’t do much there,” added the Manchester United legend. “I would never criticise Joe Hart because he is Micah Richards’ best friend. I am not brave enough to do that.”
Positives from Lazio defeat
From the off, Kyogo Furuhashi is off the mark and he has got his much-needed and morale-boosting Champions League goal.
The link-up play between Kyogo and the lay-off from Matt O’Riley was just outstanding.
Then it’s the performance overall, especially in the second half, the Bhoys were deserving of that Luis Palma goal, only for offside to rule it out pretty harshly.
It’s not helpful that it’s two defeats from two. But chins need to be up because the team can’t feel sorry for itself.
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