Iheanacho disallowed goal VAR controversy labelled ‘worst ever’ | OneFootball

VAR’s call to rule out Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal for Celtic in their 2-0 loss to Braga on Thursday night has been slammed as the “worst ever”…

Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal, which was later ruled out during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

While Brendan Rodgers’ side pushed for a way back in the game, the Nigerian striker showed determination to win possession and finish with a left-footed strike across Braga keeper Lukas Hornicek.

It seemed as though the match had been brought level, but VAR stepped in, ruling that Iheanacho handled the ball as it glanced off his arm during a tussle with a Braga defender.

The Portuguese side later added a second goal to secure an historic 2-0 victory at Celtic Park in another brutal European night for Rodgers and his players.

However, despite Celtic’s awful result, former QPR and Cardiff City striker Jay Bothroyd insisted that VAR’s decision remained a dreadful one.

Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking on Sky Sports yesterday morning, Bothroyd said: “I actually looked at this goal yesterday before I went to sleep. And I thought ‘oh good finish, great goal, they’re back in it.’

“I woke up this morning and I had a message from the producer saying ‘what about the VAR decision at Celtic?’ I thought it was another decision. I’ve seen that and it’s laughable. It is laughable. It’s clearly hit him on his head and he’s gone through. Where have they seen that handball?”

“My question is are they seeing different replays? Because if they are, they need to come out and show that replay that they’ve seen to determine that it was a handball.”

Bothroyd added: “And to answer your question, yes, it’s the worst that I’ve ever seen. It was a great goal, on his left foot as well. VAR is there to give absolute clarity so I don’t understand how they’ve got that wrong.”

“They must have looked at that again about 10 times. We’ve seen decisions in the past they’ve looked at over and over and over again,” the pundit said.

“I can’t see what they’ve seen there and I’d like to hear from them. I think everyone would like to hear from them. Show that replay you have because it must be different from the one we’ve seen.”

Conor Spence

Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has signed the remaining batch of Celtic in the Eighties so hurry to get your signed book!

Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny PLUS a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last,.

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Please note that postage will only be charged on ONE book.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.

More Stories / Latest News

Iheanacho disallowed goal VAR controversy labelled ‘worst ever’

Oct 4 2025, 12:22

Celtic handed massive injury boost as star set to return early

Oct 4 2025, 11:07

“The referee knows it wasn’t a handball,” Kelechi Iheanacho

Oct 4 2025, 10:28