Celtic’s display against Braga proved difficult for supporters to watch.
Brendan Rodgers’ men lacked energy and sharpness both in and out of possession, failing to find the net for the fifth time this season.
Defensively, things were no better — a costly mistake from Kasper Schmeichel raised further doubts about his form, while Braga’s second goal was a defensive shambles.
However, the main talking point wasn’t a Celtic error but a controversial decision by the officials.
A stunning call to disallow Kelechi Iheanacho’s equaliser has sparked outrage across the football world. One radio presenter even highlighted what the referee did after the so-called “ghost goal.”
The goal was chalked off for an alleged handball, though replays showed no evidence of the ball touching Iheanacho’s hand or arm.
The broadcast team expressed confusion as the lengthy review unfolded before officials ultimately ruled the goal out.
Speaking on TalkSPORT, Celtic supporter and presenter Shebahn Aherne criticised the decision, pointing out a baffling gesture from the referee:
“I’ve watched it over and over — that’s not handball. It’s so clearly not handball. He wasn’t even asked to check the monitor despite the long delay. Then the referee says it’s not a goal and taps his head! So what — are players not allowed to use their heads anymore? It clearly comes off Iheanacho’s head, maybe brushes his shoulder, but that’s still legal. I’m completely confused.”
Aherne compared the controversy to past European injustices suffered by Celtic — such as Martin O’Neill’s infamous 2001 rant following a dubious penalty for Juventus — and more recently, the Daizen Maeda red card against Atletico Madrid in 2023, which saw the forward sent off for a marginal high foot early in the match.
For Celtic fans, it’s another bitter reminder that while Scottish officiating often frustrates, UEFA’s decisions can be just as infuriating.
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