Celtic’s on-loan Southampton winger Mohamed Elyounoussi has hit back at Chris Sutton.
Elyounoussi was withdrawn in the 59th minute of Celtic’s 4-1 defeat at home to Sparta Prague on Thursday, with the Bhoys already 2-0 down.
And the £16 million Southampton recruit was later caught by TV cameras using his mobile phone while the game was still ongoing.
Sutton, the former Celtic striker turned pundit, told BT Sport afterwards that Elyounoussi’s conduct was ‘unacceptable’ and ‘scandalous’.
The Englishman went on to question Elyounoussi’s commitment to Celtic and said that if he was the manager he would fine the 26-year-old two weeks’ wages.
But speaking via VG in his homeland, Elyounoussi replied: “I hear what Sutton comments on, and that is one hundred per cent wrong. On the contrary. I am very dedicated.”
The 28-cap international, whom Southampton have loaned to Celtic for the second successive season, explained his actions, adding: “The phone is just out of pocket. I have warnings from Milan-Lille, ie the second match in our group, and I should just check the result in that match.
“In any case, it is stupid of me to put myself in that situation. I lie down and take the punishment I possibly get.”
Leigh Griffiths, who was also the subject of Sutton’s criticism afterwards, halved the deficit shortly after he replaced Elyounoussi.
But Sparta scored twice in the final 15 minutes to extend Celtic’s misery.
Celtic fans – what should the Bhoys do with the Southampton loanee?
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