Salzburg forward Fredrik Gulbrandsen intercepted and scored as the goalkeeper looked to start an attack by rolling the ball out

Craig Gordon was at fault for a bizarre goal during Celtic’s 2-1 Europa League defeat to Salzburg on Thursday.

The goal, which put the Austrian outfit 2-0 up at Celtic Park, was reminiscent of the one that saw Karim Benzema cut out Loris Karius’ attempted ball out from the back in last season’s Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

In the 77th minute, the Scottish goalkeeper received the ball in the Celtic box before attempting to quicky roll out to defender Filip Benkovic.

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However, Salzburg striker Fredrik Gulbrandsen was on hand to intercept, with Gordon unable to keep out the Norweigan’s strike towards an empty net.

Celtic needed a point on the night to guarantee qualification to the Europa League knockout stages and Gordon looked a dejected figure after the goal had gone in. 

Olivier Ntcham bundled in a stoppage time consolation for the Hoops but Brendan Rodgers’ side were still beaten as a result of Gordon’s blunder.

However, in the other Group B match, third placed RB Leipzig conceded a late equaliser in their home tie against Rosenborg, meaning Celtic still managed to qualify for the last 32 in second place.

The Scottish champions registered nine points in the group having won three and lost three of their Europa League matches so far this term. Thursday’s opponents Salzburg qualified with double that amount having won all six of their group ties.

Celtic’s qualification means that they will be playing European football in 2019 and they are also currently top of the Scottish Premiership.

Rangers, the other Scottish team in the competition, missed out on qualification after a 1-0 defeat to Rapid Vienna in Group G.

Steven Gerrard’s side needed a victory to qualify as group runners up, but a late goal from Dejan Ljubicic sent them crashing out of the competition.