Kyle Lafferty returned to his club side following a 10–game ban for using sectarian language in their league cup semi–final against Celtic.
He received a hostile reception during the first half, as he remained useless for his side. But he did manage to set up a goal for Celtic, knocking the ball into Maeda.
Daizen Maeda is celebrating the @CelticFC opener but he didn't know much about it! 🍀
Kyle Lafferty with the accidental assist 😬#CELKIL | #ViaplayCup | @spfl pic.twitter.com/80BUFyds6X
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) January 14, 2023
Despite his contribution, Lafferty was substituted at half–time with his team trailing 1–0. It was a difficult return for the forward, one he’ll hope to forget soon.
He looked to act like the big man, but that ultimately failed and quite frankly led to the Celtic support jeering him even more.
The way his return was treated highlighted the issues that exist in Scotland, that sectarianism is almost accepted. He’ll certainly be wishing his ban covered the semi-final after the display he put in at Hampden Park.
