Champion League
Europa League: Chris Sutton blasts VAR over disallowed Iheanacho goal for Celtic
By Oluwadamilola Olaleye
Former Celtic striker and football pundit Chris Sutton has launched a scathing attack on VAR officials following the controversial decision to disallow Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal during Celtic’s Europa League defeat to Braga.
Iheanacho appeared to have brought the Scottish champions level in the second half of the encounter, but the goal was overturned after German referee Tobias Stieler consulted with the VAR team.
TNT Sports later released audio from the decision-making process, which cited a “clear brush of the left arm” as the reason for the disallowed goal.
Sutton, speaking in his post-match analysis, did not hold back in his criticism.
“Yes, the disallowed goal was shocking. It might be the worst VAR decision I’ve ever seen, and Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal should have stood,” Sutton said.
He further argued that the decision could have significantly altered the outcome of the match.
“Would it have changed the game? Quite possibly. Celtic were on top at that stage. Going level would have built momentum, and they could have gone on to win. But they didn’t.
“They eventually lost to a Braga team that has been having a shocker in Portugal and looked no more than decent at European level. The manner of the defeat was just so demoralising.”
The decision has caused widespread outrage among the Celtic fanbase, with the club now preparing to contact UEFA for clarification over the incident.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers also voiced his frustration post-match, questioning why VAR official Christian Dingert did not advise the referee to review the footage personally at the pitchside monitor.
“In moments like this, the referee should be the one to take the final call after seeing the incident himself. That didn’t happen,” Rodgers stated.
Celtic are expected to lodge a formal complaint to UEFA as pressure mounts on officiating standards in European competitions.
