Kasper Schmeichel offered a heartfelt apology to his Celtic teammates following a costly mistake in the Scottish Cup final that handed Aberdeen a late equaliser and, ultimately, the trophy…
In a match that failed to deliver for the neutrals, Celtic looked set to complete a domestic treble after coasting through 83 minutes with a slender 1-0 lead, courtesy of an Alfie Dorrington own goal. But the momentum shifted when Schmeichel, typically a pillar of reliability, mishandled a routine moment, allowing Aberdeen to draw level and force extra time. The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes before the Dons triumphed 4–3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out.
Despite the heartbreak, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers revealed that the veteran Danish goalkeeper was quick to hold his hands up in the dressing room.
“He’s obviously apologetic to his teammates,” Rodgers said post-match. “But he’s been outstanding for us all season. It was just one of those moments that can happen in football, unfortunately at a crucial time.”
Indeed, Schmeichel’s contributions throughout the campaign have been central to Celtic’s success. The 37-year-old kept 19 clean sheets in 32 league appearances and added another five across European and domestic cup competitions. His experience and presence were vital as Celtic secured their fourth consecutive Premiership title and lifted the League Cup.
While the Scottish Cup loss will linger, Rodgers and his squad are choosing to view the season through a broader lens — one of achievement and progress. Celtic not only claimed two trophies but also reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, showcasing growth on the European stage.
Rodgers remained philosophical about the final’s outcome: “We still had one or two other chances that we could have scored from… it was just unfortunate at that time of the game.
“As the dust settles on a season of highs and one painful low, the focus for Celtic now shifts to recovery and renewal. Schmeichel, despite his error, remains a key figure heading into next season — a reminder that even the best can falter, but true professionals respond with accountability.
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