Exclusive: Ex-PGMOL chief ‘sad’ as Kuhn’s Celtic strike disallowed vs Bayern Munich
Celtic were unfortunate to see a “terrific goal” ruled out for offside in their Champions League match against Bayern Munich, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the decision to disallow the goal from Nicolas Kuhn was the correct call, after Adam Idah strayed offside.
Celtic were looking to take advantage of the bullish home support at Celtic Park, and thought they had stunned the German giants after just 26 seconds.
However, after a frantic start that saw the Scottish champions in the ascendancy, Bayern began to assert control over the game.
Celtic had been looking for a Daizen Maeda replacement in January, with the Japanese winger suspended for kicking out at a Young Boys player in their Champions League match, but his ban was reduced in time for him to face the Bavarian side.
Brendan Rodgers has been frustrated at the lack of signings made by Celtic, and his side will miss Kyogo Furuhashi who joined Rennes in January.
Keith Hackett gives verdict on Celtic goal from Nicolas Kuhn
Just 26 seconds in to the tie, Kuhn picked up the ball on the right-wing, and cut inside Raphael Guerreiro.
Having beaten the Portuguese wing-back, the German winger drove towards the box, before thumping an effort through a crowd of players, leaving Manuel Neuer with no chance as it hit the back of the net.
Celtic Park erupted, but the celebrations were cut short with the linesman having raised his flag.
Watching the replay back, the official was smart to recognise that Idah was blocking the view of the German goalkeeper, despite letting the ball run through his legs.
Idah was tipped a surprise target for Arsenal in January, having scored twice against Aston Villa in the Champions League, and Celtic will be relying on their young Irishman to deliver a similar performance if they are to stand any chance against the Germans.
When asked by Football Insider, former PGMOL chief, Hackett, said: “What a pity that the Celtic goal was ruled out, correctly, for offside.
“Terrific goal but sadly the player was in an offside position. The assistant’s flag was correct.”
Bayern Munich strike first in Champions League tie with Michael Olise thunderbolt
Celtic were magnificent in the opening moments of the game, but ultimately struggled to keep up with the quality available to Vincent Kompany.
Michael Olise, who had been a threat for most of the first-half, scored a trademark finish in the 44th minute, cutting inside on his left foot and the Frenchman smashed home an un-saveable effort past Kasper Schmeichel.