Joe Hart has lambasted the decision to deny Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal for Celtic in the Europa League against Braga, stating that he is ‘flabbergasted’ by the ruling. On Thursday night, the Scottish Premiership champions succumbed 2-0 to the Portuguese side in the league. Ricardo Horto and Gabri Martine scored goals to seal the defeat. It maintained their dismal start to the campaign, as they drew their opening game against FK Crvena Zvezda on September 24.
However, things could have turned out very differently after Iheanacho appeared to equalise for Celtic in the second half. With the score at 1-0, the former Leicester City player found himself one-on-one with the custodian and easily placed the ball past him. The jubilation was short-lived, however, since the strike was denied, and when it was discovered why, there was outrage.
Iheanacho’s strike was disallowed for handball.
Shortly after the 50th minute, Iheanacho rode a tackle and found himself one-on-one, scoring. He scored, and the goal was first allowed to stand. However, VAR quickly intervened, and officials disallowed the strike after determining that he committed handball in the buildup. However, replays have proved that this was not the case. The ball ricocheted off his shoulder, yet the officials considered it his arm.
Hart, a former Celtic player, was incensed with the decision to rule out the goal. According to Celtic Way, he said this following the call:
“This is ridiculous.” I’m assuming there’s a bad internet connection because that’s the only reason we’re not getting into this game. What? Do you see the same replays as me? The ball comes up, with no touch, and smacks his cheek. I’m astounded. I may claim that it only glanced over his shoulder, but that is not a crime.
Hart was not the only former Celtic player who criticised the decision. Stiliyan Petrov, who played for the club from 1999 to 2006, spoke candidly in the TNT Sports studio following the game. He explained, “I have an appointment with the optician on Monday, and I thought my eyes were fine, but I can’t see anything wrong with this circumstance. I’d like to know more about what the VAR has viewed.
The amazement stretched beyond former players, as opposing supporters couldn’t believe what they were witnessing. Despite their support for Rangers, one football fan expressed disbelief and conceded that the goal should have stood. On X (Twitter), they wrote: “I’m a Rangers fan, and that’s an unbelievable decision. “Funny, but shocking.”
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