Chris Sutton has come to the defence of Brendan Rodgers’ decision to give the decisive penalty to Joe Hartin the Scottish Cup semi-final, comparing it to Manchester City’s Ederson, who also took a shot in a Champions League shootout.
While Ederson successfully converted his attempt during City’s loss to Real Madrid, Hart’s effort struck the post, though he later redeemed himself by making a crucial save in sudden death, helping Celtic secure a spot in the final against Rangers.
During a discussion on the Daily Mail’s podcast, It’s All Kicking Off, Sutton addressed co-host Ian Ladyman’s surprise at Hart’s inclusion among the initial five penalty takers.
Sutton highlighted that Hart had previously scored a penalty and with Celtic’s shaky penalty record this season, Hart’s participation wasn’t without merit.
“Are you just having a pop at Scottish football here?
“What about Ederson for Manchester City? Did he not take one for Manchester City against Real Madrid? You didn’t mention Ederson popping one in, but as soon as it happens in Scotland, we’ll have a dig.
“Joe Hart apparently scored a penalty for England U21s. In fairness, Celtic’s penalty record this season has been pretty woeful. They’ve been through numerous players.
“It was all made for Joe to score, then he hit the post. But he did save one in the end from Killian Phillips.”
Hart went from zero to hero not long after his penalty miss, saving a spot kick to put Celtic into the Scottish Cup Final.
The plan all along was for Hart to take the fifth penalty, it wasn’t just a rash decision made in the heat of the moment.
