Iheanacho Slams VAR Decision After Celtic’s Defeat to Braga
Nigerian striker Kelechi Iheanacho has expressed frustration over a VAR decision which he believes cost Celtic their chance of a comeback in their Europa League clash with Braga.
Just five minutes into the second half, Iheanacho thought he had equalised with a fine finish. But German referee Tobias Stieler ruled the goal out, saying the ball had struck Iheanacho’s arm in the build-up. Television replays, however, appeared to show that the ball had hit his face, not his hand.
“That was an awful decision from them. The ball didn’t hit my hand, it hit my face. It changed the game. We could have been back in it. The referee knows it wasn’t a handball, and hopefully they can sort that out,” Iheanacho said after the match.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was also angry with the decision and confirmed that the club has asked UEFA for clarification.
The disallowed goal was even more painful for Iheanacho, as it denied him the chance to become the first Celtic player in 30 years to score in his opening two European appearances. Instead, Braga sealed a 2-0 victory with goals from Ricardo Horta and substitute Gabri Martínez.
The defeat increases the pressure on Rodgers, with Celtic now scoring only once in their last three games and failing to find the net in five of their 12 matches this season.
