In a game that was marred by a shocking VAR decision that did not go in their favour, Celtic suffered a 2-0 Europa League loss at home to Braga. Initially, Celtic appeared to be a threat, as Sebastien Tounekti came close.
However, Braga quickly found an opening when Ricardo Horta’s unexpected long-range effort defeated Kasper Schmeichel’s despairing lunge. The hosts then encountered difficulty in generating opportunities during the first half.
Seven minutes after the interval, Kelechi Iheanacho believed he had restored parity; however, his goal was controversially disallowed due to handball following a VAR review.
The Hoops appeared to be on the brink of scoring a second goal when Lukas Hornicek held Tounekti’s stinging drive at goal in the 74th minute. However, Braga doubled their lead in the dying embers when Dane Murray’s clearance struck Gabri Martinez and went into an open net. The game concluded with a score of 2-0. Gustaf Lagerbielke was not cited for brandishing an imaginary yellow card. After spending the previous season on loan at FC Twente, Gustaf Lagerbielke departed Celtic to join Braga in the summer.
He was fortunate not to receive a booking during his return to Parkhead. After winning a free-kick on the right side of his attacking final third, which was appropriately awarded by Stieler, he stood up and waved a fictitious yellow card at the referee to suggest that he should have booked Benjamin Nygren. The infraction committed by Callum McGregor was deserving of a yellow card. Celtic captain Callum McGregor was another player who should have been cautioned, but this time for the hosts. McGregor has had difficulty making an impact this season alongside Reo Hatate, and this match was no exception.
Braga’s midfield allowed him to run around, and he vented his frustration on Pau Victor with a cynical foul just passed the halfway line, seconds before the half-time whistle. Stieler should have consulted the VAR screen to observe Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal. Celtic believed they had equalised in the 52nd minute when Iheanacho evaded some sloppy Braga defending and calmly placed the ball past Hornicek, resulting in a 1-1 draw. The goal was initially awarded without any complaints from the custodian or defenders.
However, VAR reviewed the play and determined that the former Leicester striker had used his arm to direct the ball into his own net. Consequently, the goal was disallowed for handball.
The decision was undoubtedly controversial and highly questionable. Rather than relying solely on the VAR’s observations, Stieler should have demanded to see the handball himself. This would have resulted in a more definitive and compelling decision.
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