Brendan Rodgers has revealed what he truly felt about the decision to disallow Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal against Braga.
Celtic were beaten 2-0 at home to Braga as they continue to wait for a first win in a European competition this season.
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The Hoops thought they had gone level in the second half, when Iheanacho broke free of the defence to arrow a shot into the bottom corner.
Iheanacho thought he had made Celtic history but VAR accused the striker of handling the ball in the replays, despite the footage showing insufficient evidence.
Everyone was left baffled by the call, including the Celtic manager.
Brendan Rodgers reacts to Kelechi Iheanacho handball decision
There will be people leaving Celtic Park scratching their heads as to why the goal was disallowed.
Rodgers was asked about the decision after the game and couldn’t understand what warranted it to be ruled out.
He told Celtic TV: “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].”
VAR leak explains why Kelechi Iheanacho goal was ruled out
VAR does not have a specific rule itself on handball; however, decisions can only be made if they are clear and obvious.
According to the International Football Association Board (IFAB), a handball can be given when the ball “touches the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger”.
However, leaked audio released from the VAR room has explained why the goal was ruled out.
TNT Sports revealed: “Officials are saying there is a clear brush of the left arm somewhere in the footage” before referee Tobias Stieler chalked the goal off.