Celtic's Europa League Clash with Braga Ends in Controversy as Iheanacho's Goal Disallowed

Celtic fell to a 2-0 loss against Sporting Braga in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Celtic Park, where a contentious handball decision denied the Scottish side a potential equalizer. The match, which drew a crowd of 46,232, saw Braga claim victory with goals from Ricardo Horta and Gabriel Martínez, despite Celtic's efforts to dominate proceedings.

Despite a strong start, Celtic's hopes of salvaging a draw were dashed when Kelechi Iheanacho's well-timed finish was disallowed after a VAR review. The striker’s goal, which appeared to be a clean strike, was flagged for handball, though the referee did not consult the monitor for a second assessment. Manager Brendan Rodgers was left perplexed, stating, “There’s absolutely no way from every angle you look at that he’s touched it. It’s hit his face, and he finished it really well. That’s a big moment for us.”

Horta opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a curling effort from outside the box, leaving goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel momentarily stunned. The Dane’s off-night continued as Braga doubled their lead in the 85th minute, with Martínez capitalizing on a defensive lapse to net the second. Celtic’s frustration grew as fans chanted “all Celtic fans against the board” post-match, echoing ongoing discontent over the club’s transfer strategy and Champions League qualification struggles.

Despite tactical adjustments, including a switch to a back three and the introduction of Marcelo Saracchi, Celtic struggled to create clear chances. Iheanacho, who had a golden opportunity in the second half, was denied by a controversial decision, while defenders Liam Scales and Kyle Tierney made crucial blocks to stave off further damage. The match ended with fans departing early, a stark reminder of the mounting pressure on the club’s leadership.

Following the game, Rodgers reiterated his disbelief at the handball call, questioning the clarity of the VAR review. The incident has reignited debates about the technology’s role in officiating, with supporters demanding transparency. Meanwhile, Braga’s victory marks another step in their Europa League campaign, while Celtic’s defeat adds to their woes in European competition.