Kasper Schmeichel’s recent social media post has sparked debate, with questions raised over whether the Celtic goalkeeper was at the Etihad for Manchester City’s clash with Arsenal.
A photo of Schmeichel with the Premier League trophy did the rounds online, leading to claims he had been in attendance at the match. That quickly drew attention, given his current situation and absence from recent Celtic games.
Schmeichel is out for the rest of the season, and his recovery has kept him away from matchday squads. That has already been a talking point, with Viljami Sinisalo stepping in during a key run of fixtures.
Ross McCormack, who played alongside Schmeichel earlier in their careers at Leeds United, has moved to shut down the claims around the Etihad appearance. He has suggested the image being shared is not current despite Schmeichel posting on Sunday.
He said: (Open Goal), “I know, but that picture is supposed to be an old picture, and he wasn’t at the game.
“Apparently not. That was an old picture, and people have just run with the narrative just to batter him. See if he was at the game, then charge it on.”
Even with that explanation, the situation still raises questions. If Schmeichel was not in Manchester, then the reaction has come from a misunderstanding. But if there is any doubt, it brings focus back to his absence around Celtic.
Injured players are often visible around the squad, whether at games or in training updates. That presence matters, especially late in the season when the team is chasing results and dealing with pressure.
Celtic defender Alistair Johnston
2nd November 2025; Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland; Scottish Premier Sports Cup semi final, Rangers versus Celtic; Alistair Johnston of Celtic
Celtic have had to adjust without him. Sinisalo has taken on the role, and the team has had to manage games with a different voice at the back. That change affects organisation, especially in tight matches.
The focus remains on the pitch. But situations like this tend to grow when there is little clarity, and that is where the discussion now sits.
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