BRENDAN RODGERS was raging after Reo Hatate was left writhing in pain following a “needless challenge” near the end of Celtic’s 5-1 romp over Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
The wayward swipe ended the game for the Japanese ace who had replaced skipper Callum McGregor just after the hour mark of the one-sided Scottish Cup Final dress rehearsal.
Hatate was obviously in distress after Dons striker Pape Gueye had followed through with a wild kick that jarred the midfielder’s right knee as he blocked the ball.
The Hoops playmaker spent the remaining minutes sitting on the touchline with his right knee encased in ice before hirpling off.
DOWN AND OUT…Reo Hatate looks shocked after being left grounded following a wayward challenge from Aberdeen striker Pape Gueye.
A fuming Rodgers, speaking to The Scotsman, said: “It was a needless challenge. The free-kick was given and the ball runs away – Reo’s just relaxed and stopping it and the guy loses his head and just kicks through and block-tackles him.
“Hopefully, it’s not going to be too serious.”
