The Scotland star was handed a rare start in the Champions League - but sparked concerns over his fitness
22:18, 12 Mar 2025Updated 22:28, 12 Mar 2025
Kieran Tierney goes down under a heavy challenge during Arsenal's clash with PSV
Kieran Tierney goes down under a heavy challenge during Arsenal's clash with PSV
Celtic-bound Kieran Tierney was handed a rare Arsenal start against PSV - and the Hoops fans were left to sweat over a heavy challenge in the showdown.
The Arsenal star was deployed as a left winger in the Champions League showdown by Mikel Arteta - with the Premier League heavyweights holding a convincing 7-1 lead from the first leg in Eindhoven.
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It was the first start for Tierney since agreeing a return to Celtic on a pre-contract - and just the second of the campaign for the 27-year-old.
It has been a disappointing campaign for the conventional left-back in terms of game time - after playing as third choice behind Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly - having battled back from a nightmare hamstring tear suffered with Scotland at Euro 2024.
But Arteta went all-out with left-backs at the Emirates against the Dutch giants - with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White also getting the nod in North London.
However, Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic fans were left worried after Tierney crumpled to the ground after a heavy challenge from Ivan Perisic.
The lunge sparked a furious reaction from the Gunners' players - with Jorginho leading a furious confrontation with the former Tottenham man.
On TNT Sports commentary, the Croat also received a scalding with Lucy Ward stating: "Perisic just a bit late, it's a little bit naughty from him.
Kieran Tierney is tackled by Ivan Perisic
Kieran Tierney is tackled by Ivan Perisic
"Tierney knew that he was coming and expected something but he's been absolutely clattered. Jorginho there, telling him, I don't know what that was all about mate."
Adam Summerton concluded: "That seemed to be a 'you knew what you were doing there mate' type comment."
Referee Rade Obrenovic would opt to keep his cards in his pocket as Tierney limped away from the tackle.
One concerned fan wrote to X: "That was a poor challenge. Get him off and keep him safe for us (Celtic)." Another chimed in: "Nasty from Perisic, that. Totally reckless and unnecessary. Jorginho right to complain."
However, Celtic fears would be relieved as he continued the clash - and was replaced by Gabriel Martinelli deep into the second half in a rare run out.
And former Chelsea and West Ham star Joe Cole singled out the Hoops hero for praise after the full-time whistle, telling TNT Sports: "Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko coming into this team for the first time in many, many months. They both acquitted themselves very, very well."
The Gunners would be held to a 2-2 draw on their own patch by the Eredivise side but would comfortably make it through 9-3 on aggregate.
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