Chris Sutton has queried on Twitter why Giorgos Giakoumakis took Celtic’s stoppage-time penalty against Livingston over Josip Juranovic, despite now being their designated taker.
Juranovic explained earlier this week that Ange Postecoglou had named the £2.5m summer signing the Bhoys’ spot-kick taker. The defender impressed the Hoops boss in training with his ability from 12-yards, as Postecoglou searched for a new specialist.
Odsonne Edouard took seven of the Parkhead natives’ nine penalties last season and their first this term. But the Frenchman sealed a £14m Deadline Day transfer to Crystal Palace, thus vacating spot-kick duties in green-and-white.
Juranovic took over from 12-yards and converted his penalties in Celtic’s loss at Real Betis and win over St Johnstone. Callum McGregor also tried his luck from the spot but missed in the Bhoys’ Europa League win over Ferencvaros.
Yet, despite Juranovic being on the pitch, Giakoumakis stepped up for Celtic’s late penalty against Livingston on Saturday. Referee Bobby Madden pointed to the spot and issued Livi defender Ayo Obileye a straight red card after lashing out at Kyogo Furuhashi.
Giakoumakis could have sealed three-points for Celtic by converting, but Livingston goalie Max Stryjek saved his weak 93rd-minute attempt. Diving down low to deny the Greek his second Bhoys goal in six appearances since a £2.5m transfer from VVV-Venlo.
Sutton questions Celtic penalty decision
Sutton could not understand why Giakoumakis took Celtic’s penalty against Livingston over Juranovic. The four-time Premiership winner with the Bhoys issued a six-word verdict on Twitter, simply sharing: “Why did Juranovic not take the pen?”
Celtic would have moved top of the Premiership had Giakoumakis scored the penalty Sutton feels Juranovic should have taken and secured a win over Livingston on Saturday. The Bhoys instead stay second in the standings with Rangers playing on Sunday.
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