Celtic Stars Praised for Classy Belgrade Gesture
BELGRADE – While the final whistle saw Celtic secure a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade in their Europa League opener, it was a moment of compassion before the game that has truly captured the hearts of fans and media alike. During the pre-match ceremonies, as a torrential downpour soaked the pitch, two Celtic stars demonstrated a touch of class that transcended the fierce rivalry and intimidating atmosphere of the Stadion Rajko Mitic.
As the Europa League anthem played and the players stood in line, a group of young ball boys, positioned pitchside, were left exposed to the relentless rain. In a small but significant act of kindness, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and midfielder Reo Hatate stepped in to shield them from the elements.
Schmeichel, the veteran Danish international, was seen holding his gloves over the head of a young ball boy, creating a makeshift umbrella. The gesture was a simple yet powerful display of empathy, showing a player’s awareness of his surroundings beyond the immediate focus on the upcoming match.
On the other side of the line, Japanese international Reo Hatate mirrored his teammate’s action. Known for his tireless energy and technical skill on the field, Hatate showed another side of his character by using his bare hands to provide cover for his young counterpart. He kept the youngster tucked under his arm until the anthem concluded, ensuring the boy was as dry as possible.
The moment was quickly captured and shared on social media, where it garnered widespread praise. Supporters from both Celtic and other clubs lauded the players for their humanity, highlighting a refreshing display of sportsmanship in a game often defined by its intensity.
This gesture is particularly poignant given the context. Playing in one of Europe’s most hostile environments, with the passionate Red Star Belgrade crowd in full voice, it would have been easy for the players to be solely focused on the task at hand. Instead, Schmeichel and Hatate demonstrated the values that are so often celebrated at Celtic, putting human kindness and respect above all else.
The draw itself was a positive result for Brendan Rodgers’ side, with substitute Kelechi Iheanacho grabbing a goal to earn the point. However, long after the final score is forgotten, this act of pure class by Schmeichel and Hatate will be remembered as a true highlight of the evening. It was a reminder that even at the highest level of professional sport, the simplest acts of decency can speak volumes and leave a lasting impr
ession.
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