By Frank McAvennie

6th Oct, 2023 | 10:39am

Celtic victims of major injustice as Reo Hatate controversy analysed - expert

VAR missed out an a “blatant punch” on Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate in their Champions League game against Lazio.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former Hoops striker said that although the hit to Hatate was obvious, the Glasgow giants should have done better against their Italian opponents.

The 24-year-old appeared to be hit in the face by Lazio defender Elseid Hysaj just 15 minutes into the Champions League clash on Wednesday (4 October).

The Celts were winning 1-0 thanks to Kyogo Furuhashi’s opening goal when Hysaj appeared to purposefully hit Hatate in the face as he charged up the pitch.

The Japan international fell to the floor but the onfield referee missed the incident in real time and the VAR officials also appeared to ignore the decision.

Hatate’s face was noticeably impacted by the contact but the Lazio defender escaped without punishment.

The Italian side then went on to equalise and find a winning goal deep into stoppage time.

McAvennie insisted that the officials got the decision wrong but Celtic should have been more clinical on the night.

“It was a punch, it was so blatant,” he told Football Insider.

“It is a shame for Celtic but listen you have got to take your chances in Europe.

“Daizen Maeda was through on goal a couple of times and should have scored. You have got to take your chances but ultimately it was not to be.“

The Hoops are now bottom of their Champions League group and face an uphill battle to finish in third place and secure a Europa League spot.

In other news, winger wants to quit Celtic for good after talks with chiefs.