Exclusive: Keith Hackett shocked by Celtic penalty incident in Bayern Munich loss
Celtic should have been awarded a penalty kick after Arne Engels was impeded by Bayern Munich defender Dayot Upamecano, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that it was “amazing” that the referee had not given a penalty to Celtic, even after seeing the incident on a monitor.
Celtic thought they had taken the lead through Nicolas Kuhn after just 26 seconds, but the German winger’s goal was ruled out after Arsenal target Adam Idah strayed offside.
Bayern would then assert their dominance over the game as goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane gave the Bavarian side a comfortable lead.
However, the Bhoys would show some fight at the end of the game, as Daizen Maeda cleverly snuck behind the German side’s defence and headed past Manuel Neuer.
Keith Hackett gives verdict on penalty decision against Celtic
With the game slowly drifting along to its conclusion, Arne Engels stole a march on Upamecano, who then trod on the Belgian’s foot, bringing him down in the penalty area in the 55th minute.
After a length delay, referee Jesus Gil Manzano was advised by VAR to go have a look at the incident on the monitor.
Having seen multiple replays, the Spanish referee made the surprising decision to deny Celtic a penalty, and a way back into the tie.
Engels impressed Neil Lennon in a 4-2 loss to Aston Villa, but the Belgian was denied the chance to deliver from the spot, having previously missed in the Champions League against BSC Young Boys.
Speaking to Football Insider, ex-PGMOL chief Hackett gave his opinion on the incident, saying: “Amazing that the referee taking a second look at this incident failed to award a penalty kick – poor decision.”
Celtic have a chance against Bayern Munich in Germany
Whilst Bayern were clearly the better side on the night, Celtic showed the grit and determination that will give them a chance against the German powerhouse.
Despite being ruled out, Kuhn’s goal showed the defensive fragility of Bayern, as Upamecano and Eric Dier looked uncomfortable when Celtic attacked in a direct manner.
Brendan Rodgers had been looking for a Maeda replacement in January, and the Japanese striker showed his effectiveness in the number nine role after being moved inside midway through the game.
A win at the Allianz Arena is a pipe-dream for Celtic fans, but a shock result is not out of the question of the Bhoys can take the game to Bayern in the same way they did in the first-leg.