Exclusive: Keith Hackett shocked by Daizen Maeda controversy in Celtic vs Bayern
Keith Hackett has responded to the controversial decision that cost Celtic a spot in the last 16 of the Champions League.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that the “bar is higher” to warrant a VAR review in the Champions League.
Nicolas Kuhn saw his goal inside 26 seconds ruled out in the first-leg (12 February) against the German giants, and the winger again found the back of the net against Bayern in the 63rd minute of the second-leg, with this goal being allowed to stand.
Much like the first meeting between the two historic sides, Bayern dominated the ball, with the Hoops threatening on the counter-attack.
However, despite Newcastle target Kuhn’s goal giving Celtic the lead, the Germans would spoil the Bhoys’ party with a controversial goal from Alphonso Davies in the 94th minute.
Daizen Maeda fouled by Dayot Upamecano before Bayern Munich leveller
With Celtic in pole position to win the match on the night, and in doing so, forcing extra-time at the Allianz Arena, the Hoops looked to break forward in the hopes of winning the tie overall.
However, as the ball was played forward, French defender Dayot Upamecano raised his arm and appeared to catch Daizen Maeda in the face, sending the striker tumbling to the ground.
Bayern then worked the ball into the Celtic half, and after Leon Goretzka’s diving header was saved magnificently by Kasper Schmeichel, Davies was on hand to tap home the rebound.
When asked by Football Insider for his verdict on the incident, ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, said:
“That holding offence should have been penalised and impacted in the game, with Bayern gaining possession and going on to score.
“I was surprised that this incident did not see an intervention by VAR.
“I think the bar is higher in Europe to warrant a VAR review.”
The result was particularly devastating, as the loss to Bayern Munich has been a financial blow for Celtic.
Nicolas Kuhn impresses despite Celtic Champions League exit
Kyogo Furuhashi joined Rennes in January, and was a major loss to Brendan Rodgers’ side.
However, Kuhn has stepped up following the Japanese striker’s exit, and was a thorn in Bayern’s side in both legs of their Champions League knockout tie.
| 2024/25 Champions League Stats | Kuhn |
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Expected goals | 1.74 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Expected assists | 2.08 |
The former Bayern man’s dynamic and direct attacking style of play allowed the Hoops to consistently catch out Davies high-up the pitch.
Rodgers will be looking to get the most out of Kuhn whilst he still can, with the German attracting interest after his stellar performances for the Glaswegian side this season.