Matchday five of the Champions League fixtures produced a moment to forget for Cameron Carter-Vickers as the Celtic defender’s own goal against Club Brugge helped the Belgians earn a point.
The US defender knew immediately from the moment the ball left his foot that he had made an uncharacteristic error of judgement but by then, it was too late.
Brugge had the lead which helped them earn a Champions League draw at Celtic Park which also helped to keep their hopes of qualification alive as well.
On a positive note, the incident didn’t make Carter-Vickers lose focus for the rest of the match and the US defender was solid as he helped Celtic battle to a well-earned point against Brugge.
Speaking after the match, Celtic captain Callum McGregor was asked about that moment as he offered up a reason as to why Carter-Vickers made such a horrific mistake.
Celtic Park noise ensured Cameron Carter-Vickers couldn’t hear Callum McGregor ‘screaming’
McGregor told TNT Sports, “It’s one of those things. I mean, I’m showing for Nicolas [Kuhn]. I think Nicolas got a pass from me.
“I think Nicolas does well to get the pass to Cam, but I think he’s surprised by it, and obviously he’s getting pressed.
“And it’s so loud in here that he hasn’t heard me. I’m screaming for him that I’m not on so it’s one of those things. We just move on. It happens.
A great reaction from the Hoops skipper and it’s indicative of the support Carter-Vickers has been getting from the Celtic camp since the full-time whistle blew last night.
The Cameron Carter-Vickers Celtic picture that speaks a thousand Champions League words
If there was ever a picture that summed up how Carter-Vickers was feeling in that exact moment the own goal went in, it was this one below.
Looking gutted and dejected the big American was probably wishing the ground would just open up and swallow him.
However, there will not be a single Celtic fan who will look to berate or blame Carter-Vickers. For too long the US defender has been the sole reason the club has been successful over the last three seasons so one mistake is not going to blot his impeccable record.
Carter-Vickers will pick himself up and move on. And what better way to do that in Celtic’s next fixture at home, against Ross County where the Hoops defender can get back to his usual reliable self.
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