Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Sport
Sports Staff

Mohamed Elyounoussi says hat-trick for Celtic proves unquestionable ‘professionalism’ after phone incident

Photograph: Getty Images

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

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.