Pat Nevin defends Celtic fan walkout as 'unusual' behaviour catches pundit's eye in Atletico rout

08.11.2023 - 18:29 dailyrecord.co.uk

Pat Nevin defended the Celtic fans who had seen enough and walked out early in their Champions League humbling against Atletico Madrid.

Brendan Rodgers' team had a night to forget despite competing for long spells in the first half in Spain. They conceded early to Antoine Griezmann but largely held firm until they were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half after Daizen Maeda was shown a straight red.

Even then they didn't crumble but Alvaro Morata's goal on the stroke of half time was the killer blow. And a second-half rout ensued, Griezmann and Morata striking one more each while Samuel Lino and Saul Niguez piled on the misery.

Substitute Lino emerged from the bench and curled in his side's fourth goal moments later, and that goal proved the final straw for many of the 3,400 fans who piled out of the Wanda Metropolitano stadium at the site of the ball hitting the back of the net.

curling Lazio BBC Pundit as Brendan Rodgers Wanda Metropolitano Antoine Griezmann Saul Niguez Spain

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DAVID McCARTHY: It's unlikely. They concede too many goals at this level and although Lazio aren't brilliant, they'll have enough to make it another tough night for Brendan Rodgers' men. CRAIG SWAN: Lazio are not in great form, but at the same time, it’s hard to fancy Celtic given their place in the section. GORDON PARKS: No. Celtic's Champions League record doesn't lie and winning in Rome will sadly be another step too far. FRASER WILSON: Don’t see it. Lazio are no great shakes but while Celtic have been competitive in all but one group stage game they have paid the price for being naive and I can't see anything other than the end of their Euro campaign.

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