‘Look closely at the video’ – Ex-FIFA ref fumes after re-analysing controversial Celtic footage
Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal for Celtic against Braga should not have been ruled out after he was adjudged to have used his arm in the build-up before scoring in their Europa League clash.
Former FIFA official and PGMOL chief Keith Hackett exclusively told Football Insider that Kelechi Iheanacho did not touch the ball with his arm and his leveller should have been allowed to stand at Parkhead on Thursday (2 October).
Celtic and Braga locked horns in a Europa League clash in Glasgow with Brendan Rodgers’ side aiming to get their first win of the season in the competition on board after a 1-1 draw against Red Star last week.
Ricardo Horta gave the Portuguese side the lead in the 21st minute with a long-range effort, and the Hoops failed to create any clear-cut chances before Iheanacho went through on goal and netted just after the interval to level the scoreline.
Referee Tobias Stieler initially allowed the goal to stand, but it was soon ruled out after VAR review for an apparent handball, leaving Celtic players and boss Rodgers baffled.
Iheanacho unlucky to see his goal ruled out against Braga
Celtic thought they had gone level in the 52nd minute as Iheanacho broke free from some poor Braga defending and coolly slotted the ball past Hornicek for 1-1.
The goal was initially given with no complaints from the goalkeeper or defenders, but VAR checked it and ruled it out for handball, deeming that the former Leicester striker had used his arm to guide it into his path.
Replays were inconclusive as to whether the 29-year-old had touched the ball with his arm, and referee Stieler did not see the offence back as VAR Christian Dingert chose not to send him to the screen for review.
Rodgers admitted his frustration and confusion at the call in his post-match interview as Braga went on to beat Celtic 2-0, saying: “For the life of me I don’t understand why it wasn’t given, because it’s not even close to being handball. We’re still waiting on the explanation for that. It did serve as a catalyst [for Braga to go on and win the game].”
Hackett furious at officials as Iheanacho goal ‘should have been allowed’
Hackett told Football Insider last month that Celtic should not have been given a penalty against Kilmarnock, but this time they were not as lucky and were on the receiving end of a very dubious decision in Europe.
The former FIFA official this time slammed the Europa League match officials for their questionable call on Iheanacho vs Braga, saying: “The match officials, referee Tobias Stieler [and] video assistant referee Christian Dingert, have got this decision completely wrong. There is no handball offence.
“If they have looked closely at the video replay it clearly shows that there is no contact with the ball and the scorers hand/arm.
“There is no handball offence and the goal should have been allowed. Celtic have every right to be disappointed by this referees decision.“