Mohamed Elyounoussi says hat-trick for Celtic proves unquestionable ‘professionalism’ after phone incident
Southampton loanee insisted he was just checking the other Group H result after his side’s Europa League defeat last week
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mohamed Elyounoussi insisted his professionalism is unquestionable after scoring a hat-trick in Celtic's 4-1 Premiership win at Motherwell.
The Norway international, on loan from Southampton, found himself under scrutiny on Thursday night when spotted on his phone after being substituted in the damaging 4-1 Europa League defeat by Sparta Prague at Parkhead.
Former Celtic striker-turned-pundit Chris Sutton questioned Elyounoussi's commitment to the cause and said he would fine him two weeks' wages, while former Celtic captain Paul Lambert claimed Elyounoussi was "letting the great Jock Stein down".
The 26-year-old explained he had been looking at the other group game result between AC Milan and Lille and, after the Premiership match at Fir Park on Sunday, he moved to draw a line under the issue.
He said: "What I have to say is that no one should question my commitment to the team.
"I am very professional and, like I said, the best way to talk is with my feet.
"I'm here to help the team score goals and win games. So in the end, of course, I was frustrated and disappointed that someone questioned my professionalism.
"I am very committed and I am happy to help the team win yesterday. That's the best way to react.
"Anyone who knows me realises I am very professional, I give 100 percent for my team and I am very committed on the pitch.
"Not only offensively, defensively as well. So, I don't think someone should question my professionalism on the pitch.
"That's in the past, I just focus on the next one ahead. We're happy we've got the three points."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments