Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has slammed VAR after Kelechi Iheanacho’s disallowed goal proved a turning point in their 2-0 Europa League defeat to Braga.
The Nigerian forward thought he had drawn Celtic level early in the second half, only for the goal to be controversially ruled out for handball.
VAR decision overshadows Iheanacho’s big moment
The decision left Rodgers “baffled” and sparked fresh debate over the use of VAR in European competitions.
Iheanacho had raced in to block a hurried clearance from former Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke in the 51st minute, after the Swede was caught out by a poor back pass.
The ball appeared to ricochet off Iheanacho’s face before he slotted it home, sparking wild celebrations among the Celtic fans.
However, German referee Tobias Stieler ruled the effort out for handball, and VAR official Christian Dingert upheld the call after a lengthy two-minute review.
Replays suggested no contact with the striker’s arm, but Braga were awarded a free kick in the end.
Rodgers was visibly frustrated after the game and questioned why the on-field referee was not invited to review the footage himself.
“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 capitalise as Rodgers’ men were left chasing group survival
The disallowed goal proved costly as Celtic failed to build momentum. Braga, already leading through Ricardo Horta’s composed first-half finish, sealed victory late in the match when substitute Abel Ruiz Martinez struck in stoppage time.
Iheanacho remained one of Celtic’s brightest threats throughout, showing energy and persistence in attack, but his denied equaliser summed up a frustrating evening for Rodgers’ side.
The defeat leaves Celtic under pressure in Group E. With two domestic league games up next, they return to Europa League action against Sturm Graz in what will obviously be a must-win fixture to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Leave a comment