Celtic's VAR Controversy: A Pivotal Point in Europa League Clash

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed frustration over a controversial VAR decision during a Europa League match against Braga. The decision denied Celtic an equalizer, with replays suggesting the goal was legitimate. Despite a lengthy VAR review, the referee didn’t consult the pitchside monitor, leaving Rodgers questioning the call.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers criticized a controversial VAR decision during a Europa League match against Braga on Thursday. The decision, which replays suggest was incorrect, denied Celtic an equalizer, leading to a 2-0 defeat at home.

The Scottish club believed they had leveled the match in the 51st minute when Kelechi Iheanacho capitalized on a defensive mistake to score. However, German referee Tobias Stieler disallowed the goal for handball, a decision upheld by video assistant Christian Dingert after a prolonged review that suggested Iheanacho played the ball with his forehead, not his arm.

Rodgers lamented the lack of a clear explanation for the disallowed goal, emphasizing the importance of VAR in correcting such errors. He questioned why Stieler wasn't asked to review the incident pitchside. Despite the controversy, Braga secured the win with goals from Ricardo Horta and Gabri Martínez.

(With inputs from agencies.)