‘Not Lookman’ – Pundit defends Nigerian forward after penalty row
After Atalanta’s disappointing exit from the UEFA Champions League, there has been a heated debate over Ademola Lookman’s missed penalty in their 3-1 defeat to Club Brugge.
The incident has caused anger among fans and drawn criticism from Liverpool legend Steve Nicol, who believes the blame lies with the designated penalty taker, the team captain, and manager Gian Piero Gasperini, not Lookman himself.
In the match, Lookman scored shortly after halftime, giving Atalanta a chance to come back. However, his missed penalty in the 61st minute was a turning point.
After the loss, Gasperini publicly criticised Lookman, calling him ‘one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen’ and expressing frustration that Lookman took the penalty instead of the designated taker, Charles De Ketelaere.
Nicol, speaking on ESPN FC, defended Lookman, saying there was no need for Gasperini’s harsh comments.
“All Gasperini had to say was that Lookman wasn’t supposed to take it,” Nicol explained, adding that the focus should be on the decision of the player who was supposed to take the penalty.
He continued, “If I’m the coach, I’d go straight to the player who should have taken it and ask, ‘Why didn’t you take the penalty? I told you you’re the penalty taker.’”
Nicol also pointed out the responsibility of the team captain, Rafael Tolói, to make sure the right player took the penalty.
“The captain should make sure the right person steps up,” he said. “That’s why you’re the captain – to follow the coach’s instructions when I can’t get anyone’s attention.”
Nicol concluded that Lookman was not to blame for what happened.
“Lookman is the only one who is innocent here,” Nicol stated. “If the player meant to take it doesn’t, someone else has to do it, so Lookman stepped up.”
Nicol further explained, “Lookman was just an innocent bystander. The blame lies with the player who was meant to take it (De Ketelaere) and the captain (Tolói).”
He also criticised Gasperini for not dealing with the situation sooner, saying, “As a coach, you need to make sure the right person takes the penalty, especially in a big moment like that.”
Nicol’s comments have sparked a wider discussion about leadership and responsibility in team sports, particularly in crucial matches. As Atalanta reflects on their early exit from the Champions League, the issues raised by Lookman’s penalty miss will likely remain a key focus as they aim to improve for the rest of the season. Nicol’s defence of Lookman highlights the need for clear communication and leadership within the team, which could be vital as they face future challenges.
