Breaking: Celtic Held Back by Controversial Handball Call, Finishing 2-0 Loss to Braga
Celtic’s bid to Europa League glory was thwarted by a contentious VAR decision as Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal was controversially ruled out for handball in a 2-0 defeat against Sporting Braga at Celtic Park on Wednesday. The incident, which left both Iheanacho and manager Brendan Rodgers bewildered, could have been a pivotal moment in the match. “There’s absolutely no way he’s touched it,” Rodgers insisted, after the game, hinting at the potential impact of the unutilized opportunity. With Celtic now drawing blank in multiple crucial fixtures, the spotlight shifts to their ongoing goal-scoring drought, wrath of the fans, and boardroom protests.
Celtic’s Europa League Struggles: Clangers, Controversies, and Larger Issues
In a match that encapsulated Celtic’s Europa League campaign so far, the Scottish giants slumped to a 2-0 defeat at home to Sporting Braga, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout phase hanging by a thread.
Controversial VAR Call and Ineffective Responses
Celtic thought they had pulled level through Kelechi Iheanacho’s clinical finish, but a lengthy VAR check ruled out the goal for an apparent handball by the striker in the build-up. The decision left fans, pundits, and even Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers bewildered. “It’s hit his face, he’s gone away and finished it really well. That’s a big moment in the game for us,” Rodgers insisted. Former Celtic keeper Joe Hart echoed Rodgers’ sentiments, saying, “Flabbergasted is the only way to describe it.”
While the VAR controversy stole the headlines, Celtic’s issues run deeper. The 2025/26 Europa League campaign has been a microcosm of their season so far, marked by poor defending, lack of creativity, and an inability to score. Kasper Schmeichel’sself-admitted “off night” perceptions of him as an unassailable, big-game goalkeeper have been shattered.
Larger Issues Bubble to the Surface
Celtic’s struggles are not new. A failed summer transfer strategy, a fraudulent move away for Japanese striker Daizen Maeda, and lingering discontent over the board’s leadership have all coalesced into on-field performances that mirror the turmoil off it. Protests against the board, calling for the removal of chairman Peter Lawwell, have become a familiar sight at Celtic Park, with disgruntled fans leaving en masse after the second goal.
“It’s my responsibility,” Rodgers admitted. “It’s too many games now where we haven’t scored, and I need to find the solution to it because there’s been too many games now where we haven’t scored.” Rodgers’ acceptances of responsibility are commendable, but the solutions remain elusive.
FAQs
Q: What is the current state of Celtic’s Europa League campaign?
A: After two games, Celtic sits at the bottom of Group B with no points, having lost both games.
Q: What are the primary issues facing Celtic?
A: Poor defending, lack of creativity, and an inability to score goals are the most pressing issues.
Q: What is the impact of the board’s leadership on Celtic’s performances?
A: The on-field struggles are a manifestation of off-field turmoil, including failed transfers and fans’ discontent with the board.
What’s Next for Celtic?
With Celtic’s Europa League hopes on the brink, the focus turns to domestic competitions and the January transfer window. Rodgers and the board must address the club’s vulnerabilities andestamp their authority, or risk alienating the fans further. Time will tell if Celtic can turn their fortunes around, but one thing is certain: the challenges ahead are formidable.