CELTIC defender Nir Bitton couldn’t bear to watch the Halloween Horror Show at Parkhead at the weekend.
The Israel international star was celebrating his thirtieth birthday on Saturday and hoped for a present from team-mate Giorgos Giakoumakis when the Hoops were awarded a stoppage-time penalty-kick.
A stuffy, uninspiring encounter was locked at 0-0 when Ange Postecoglou’s side were awarded a spot-kick in the fading moments following a moment of madness from defender Ayo Obileye when he slapped Kyogo Furuhashi on the head. Referee Bobby Madden had no alternative but to red card the offender and point to the spot.
SPOT-KICK SINNER…Giorgos Giakoumakis after his feeble penalty.
The tension of the moment got to the experienced back-four operator as Bitton turned his back on the flashpoint incident.
The versatile performer looked in the opposite direction as Giakoumakis made his run towards the ball while Livi No.1 Max Stryjek spread his arms and waited on his goal-line.
Moments later, the versatile Celt realised he would not be celebrating his birthday or three points as the Polish keeper swooped to his right to hold onto the timid effort from the Greek.
Bitton – and his team-mates – have enjoyed better days in Paradise.
DON’T LOOK NOW…Nir Bitton can’t bear it as Giorgos Giakoumakis steps forward to take the penalty-kick.
X-CERTIFICATE…Bitton is about to hear the groans of the fans as Max Stryjek saves Giakoumakis’ powderpuff attempt.
