Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed disbelief at the decision to disallow Kelechi Iheanacho’s crucial second-half strike in Thursday’s Europa League defeat to Braga, describing the VAR intervention as “baffling.”
The Super Eagles forward thought he had levelled the game in the 51st minute, igniting hope for the home fans at Celtic Park, Footballrover reports.
Instead, a controversial handball call against him — upheld after a lengthy VAR check — left the Hoops chasing the game and ultimately suffering a 2-0 loss.
Iheanacho’s Disallowed Goal Sparks VAR Storm
Iheanacho seized on a loose Braga clearance after former Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke misjudged a pass.
The striker charged down the ball, which appeared to strike his face before he slotted it past goalkeeper Hornicek.
However, German referee Tobias Stieler ruled the goal out for handball, and VAR official Christian Dingert backed the decision after more than two minutes of review.
Television replays suggested no clear contact with Iheanacho’s arm, leaving fans stunned.
— “I can’t understand why the referee isn’t asked to go and have a look at it,” Rodgers said (via The Irish News).
“Even if you look at it once, twice, and I’m assuming the guys in the VAR will have watched it more than that, because of the time it took, there’s absolutely no way from every angle you look at that he’s touched it. It’s hit his face; he’s gone on and finished it really, really well.
“I think clearly what the assumption is, that it’s not conclusive. But I think it’s very clear if you watch it – it’s a mistake by the referee.
“That for me is what VAR is about, to correct the wrong decision. So it was a bit baffling that he wasn’t even asked to come over and look at the screen.”
Braga’s Early Lead and Late Clincher Leave Celtic Chasing
Celtic had already fallen behind in the first half to a stunning 35-yard strike from Ricardo Horta, whose swerving effort dipped into the corner of the net despite lacking power.
The disallowed goal only deepened the frustration for the Scottish champions.
Moments later, they pushed forward in search of an equaliser but left gaps at the back. Braga’s goalkeeper pulled off a superb save to deny Tounekti, keeping Celtic at bay.
With just five minutes remaining, substitute Martinez ended any hope of a comeback, slotting home Braga’s second after a swift counterattack.
The defeat leaves Celtic in a tight spot in their Europa League group. They now turn their attention to two domestic league fixtures before facing Sturm Graz in what is already shaping up to be a must-win clash for the team.
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