Every significant defeat requires a scapegoat with Emilio Izaguirre fitting the bill perfectly for Celtic’s 2-0 loss to Valencia.
If everything had gone to plan the defender would have posted an image watching from his new home in Saudi Arabia as his old club went into battle for a fabled European night.
In August 2017, clearly deemed surplus to requirements, Izaguirre left Celtic for Al Feiha but 12 months later he was drafted back as emergency cover for Kieran Tierney.
Charlie Nicholas, Andy Walker and Frank McAvennie discovered that the old magic isn’t quite the same when you return to the scene of past glories, sadly Izaguirre is discovering the same painful lesson.
When Tierney reported a hip problem after the 2-1 Europa League defeat from RB Salzburg it left a gaping hole in the Celtic side with Izaguirre handed an unexpected run in the team.
Two months later, after being left out of the December derby at Ibrox, the spotlight was firmly on the 32-year-old as Celtic came up against a team far superior to their usual domestic opponents.
Sadly it was an unforgiving night for Izaguirre as Valencia played their way to a fairly straightforward victory.
A botched attempt at playing offside led to the first goal for Denis Cheryshev in the 42 minute, a couple of minutes after the restart the hoops defence was posted missing as Ruben Sobrino slotted away the second.
Izaguirre made a big contribution to Celtic’s successes under Neil Lennon, last night’s display could well be one of his last appearances for the club as Tierney closes in on a return from injury.
I had a nightmare last night that Izaguirre played left-back for Celtic in 2019.
— Chairman Lmao (@BenTheTim) February 15, 2019
It’s okay though Izaguirre will sing Let the People Sing in training and all will be forgiven as usual
— Rikos (@Rikos67_) February 14, 2019
Far too sloppy in the 1st half. How Izaguirre cant see to step up there I’ve no idea. Criminal.
— Marty Strong (@MartyStrong88) February 14, 2019
Emilio Izaguirre wasn’t good enough at this level 3 years ago.
— Paul McQueen (@queenmachine67) February 14, 2019
Izaguirre izny fur me!
— Ryan Haggarty (@Haggsyy) February 14, 2019
Simunovic and izaguirre know how to ruin a good day
— Jonathan Burns (@twistandturns_J) February 14, 2019
“Izaguirre looks like Robocop” – Chris Sutton, 2019.
— Bhoys n the Hood (@BhoysNTheHood) February 14, 2019
After Jonny Hayes’s fantastic game on Sunday he must be sitting on the bench thinking how is a “footballer” like Izaguirre starting ahead of me?
— Fantastic Forrest (@FantasticForre1) February 14, 2019
Chris Sutton just described Izaguirre as RoboCop… Sums up his night.
— Adam Lynch (@AdamLynch27) February 14, 2019
Any reason why Izaguirre wasnt subbed off and replaced with Hayes? Very strange to leave him on the park for 90mins after such a poor performance #Celtic #celticfc #CELVCF
— Magic Number 7 (@mn7cfc) February 15, 2019