Celtic unlikely to receive explanation from UEFA for VAR shambles

The Nigerian forward capitalised on a defensive mistake, evaded two challenges and slotted the ball past Braga keeper Lukas Hornicek, only to see the goal disallowed for handball — even though various replays showed no clear contact.

The incident grew even more puzzling when German referee Tobias Stieler and his assistant’s call stood without any VAR review.

According to Scottish Sun, UEFA will provide no explanation for the decision, as unlike in the Champions League, they do not release such communication for the Europa League or Conference League.

Rodgers expressed his bewilderment over the decision after the match. “I don’t know why the goal wasn’t given. It’s a real pivotal point in the game,” he said.

“If we get the goal at 1-1, that breeds the confidence again. I don’t know why and I haven’t had an explanation as to why it wasn’t given. I can’t understand why the referee isn’t asked to go and have a look at it.”

“Even if you look at it once, twice, and I’m assuming the guys in the VAR will have watched it more than that because of the time it took, there’s absolutely no way you look at it from every angle and think it’s touched his arm.”

Rodgers added: “It’s hit his face, he’s gone on and finished it really, really well. And that’s a big moment in the game for us because it would have been an equaliser and brought more confidence to us.”

“I think it’s very clear if you watch it, it’s a mistake by the referee. And that is why we are supposed to have the VAR, to overcome these things.”

As reported last night on The Celtic Star, the club will however write to UEFA to seek an explanation as to how the match officials could get such a simple decision so badly wrong.  However it won’t make any difference to Celtic’s Europa League chances which have been dented by the dreadfully disappointing 2-0 home defeat to Sporting Braga.

The match officials did influence the game but the Celtic team were way below the level we expect and changes need to be made to the team and to the mindset and quickly or this is heading to be a season to forget. We simply must see changes tomorrow against Motherwell.

Conor Spence

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