Celtic Outraged After Controversial VAR Handball Call in Braga Defeat
Celtic’s Europa League campaign hit a frustrating snag at Celtic Park as a highly controversial VAR decision overshadowed a 2-0 defeat to Braga. While the Portuguese side secured the victory, the talking point of the night was a disallowed equalizer that left players, coaching staff, and fans incredulous.
The 51st-Minute Controversy
The flashpoint occurred in the 51st minute when Kelechi Iheanacho appeared to bring Celtic level. Following a loose pass from a free-kick, Iheanacho charged down a scrambled clearance from former Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke and slotted the ball home. However, German referee Tobias Stieler disallowed the goal for an alleged handball.
Despite a lengthy review lasting over two minutes, video assistant referee (VAR) Christian Dingert upheld the on-pitch decision. Television replays widely suggested that the ball struck Iheanacho’s face rather than his arm, leading to widespread condemnation of the call.
“Baffling” Reactions from the Dugout and Pitch
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers did not hold back in his assessment of the incident, describing the decision as “baffling.” Rodgers questioned why the referee wasn’t asked to review the footage on the screen, stating there was “absolutely no way” from any angle that Iheanacho had touched the ball with his hand.
The players shared the manager’s frustration. Kelechi Iheanacho insisted, “The ball didn’t hit my hand, and that changed the game.” Teammate Sebastian Tounekti was equally critical, calling the decision “crazy” and asserting that if the goal had stood, Celtic would have won the match.
The disbelief extended to the commentary box, where former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart described the VAR intervention as “ridiculous,” suggesting the officials must have been seeing a different replay than everyone else.
Match Summary: Braga Takes Control
Beyond the VAR drama, Braga demonstrated clinical efficiency to secure the win. The visitors opened the scoring through Ricardo Horta, who netted from approximately 33 yards after Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel struggled to deal with the strike.
Celtic pushed for an equalizer in an open second half, with Kieran Tierney and Sebastian Tounekti both denied by strong goalkeeping. Braga eventually sealed the 2-0 victory five minutes before the final whistle when Gabri Martinez scored on a rebound.
Tensions Rise at Celtic Park
The defeat added fuel to existing tensions between the Celtic supporters and the club’s leadership. While the Celtic Fans Collective had previously called off a planned 29-minute silence to meet with board members regarding transfer strategy and the failure to qualify for the Champions League, the atmosphere soured as the match progressed. Chants of “all Celtic fans against the board” and calls for chairman Peter Lawwell to resign echoed through the stadium following Braga’s second goal.
Key Takeaways: Celtic vs. Braga
- Final Score: Braga 2, Celtic 0.
- Controversy: Kelechi Iheanacho’s 51st-minute goal was disallowed for handball despite replays suggesting it hit his face.
- Braga Scorers: Ricardo Horta and Gabri Martinez.
- Official Verdict: Referee Tobias Stieler and VAR Christian Dingert upheld the handball call.
- Club Status: Celtic leaves their opening two matches with a single point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the referee for the Celtic vs. Braga match?
The match was officiated by German referee Tobias Stieler, with Christian Dingert serving as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Why was Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal disallowed?
The goal was disallowed due to a handball call in the build-up. However, television replays indicated the ball likely hit the striker’s face.
What is the current state of the Celtic board protests?
Supporter groups have been protesting the club’s transfer strategy and their failure to qualify for the Champions League, leading to calls for chairman Peter Lawwell to step down.
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