Tom Pietermaat is a Celtic diehard after his dad took him to Parkhead 23 years ago. But he also became pals with Hearts striker Lawrence, who played alongside him at Belgian side Beerschot
Tom Pietermaan and family at Parkhead on Friday
Belgian pro footballer Tom Pietermaat revealed how he’s torn between his friendship for Hearts star player Lawrence Shankland and his unlikely love for Celtic.
The midfielder will be at the big title showdown to roar on the Hoops after making a pilgrimage to Celtic Park every year since 2003, when his dad introduced him the club.
He told how his loyalty has been split by his friendship with Shankland – his team-mate at Belgian side Beerschot in 2021, where the striker featured for one season without making a big impression.
And he has been exchanging supportive messages with the Hearts talisman, even though his sporting loyalties lie elsewhere.
Lawrence Shankland at Beerschot
Tom, in Scotland with wife Carmen, 34, and daughters Emelia, five, and Lucea, 18 months, said: “It sounds like a crazy story but I’ve been supporting Celtic for most of my life.#
“My dad took me to a match when a team with Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and other top players beat Anderlecht. He then took me to the UK in 2003 and I watched Man United then followed up with a Celtic game.
“Celtic beat Hibs 6 -0 and I’ve been a fan ever since.”
Tom, 34, said Lawrence Shankland hadn’t been able to make the big impact he’d hoped for at Beerschot, prior to being signed by Hearts.
But he said: “It was obvious he was a great player and the move turned out to be a very good one for Shank. I think Celtic will be very wary of him and it won’t be a shock if Hearts get a draw or a win.
“I’d have to say that Celtic are worthy favourites because they seem to have sorted out a lot of problems and have a better team on the park.”
He added: “I sent Shank a text the other day and wished him good luck and he sent a nice one back. He will be snowed under with messages just now but if he wins I’ll be very happy to congratulate him on an amazing season.”
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