When Brendan Rodgers, manager of Celtic saw his side lose 2‑0 to Sporting Braga at Celtic Park on 2 October 2025, the contentious decision to disallow a disallowed goal sparked outrage. The match, part of UEFA Europa League Matchday 2Celtic Park, Glasgow, left the Scottish champions with just one point from two games and a lingering sense that destiny had been snatched away.
Match overview: a shaky start for the Bhoys
The opening half‑hour belonged to Braga. A swift counter‑attack saw their forward Gabri Martinez whip a low cross that found Gustaf Lagerbielke, the ex‑Celtic defender now wearing Braga colours. His headed effort slipped under the outstretched arms of Celtic keeper Kieran Tierney, giving Braga a 1‑0 lead at the 23‑minute mark.
Rodgers switched to a more aggressive shape at the break, pulling an extra midfielder forward and urging his attackers to press higher. The change paid off when, just eight minutes into the second half, the ball fell to Kelechi Iheanacho after a mis‑controlled clearance by Lagerbielke. Iheanacho crashed the ball into the net, only for German referee Tobias Stieler to blow the whistle for handball.
The controversial disallowed goal
From the touchline, it looked like a textbook finish. The striker’s face took the brunt of the incoming ball, and the net bulged cleanly. Yet Stieler pointed to the penalty area, and the game stopped for a VAR review. Video assistant referee Christian Dingert spent over two minutes scrutinising multiple angles before confirming the on‑field decision.
Television replays, however, showed no contact between Iheanacho’s arm and the ball. The ball’s trajectory struck his cheek, not his forearm, and his body motion suggested a natural follow‑through. Fans in the stands erupted in boos, while the BBC commentator muttered, “That’s hard to swallow, even for a seasoned eye.”
Rodgers, visibly irked, later told reporters, “I can’t understand why the referee isn’t asked to go and have a look at it. Even if you look at it once, twice … there’s absolutely no way from every angle you look at that he’s touched it. It’s hit his face, he’s gone on and finished it really, really well.”
Rodgers’ reaction and squad morale
After the whistle, the Celtic dressing room felt the weight of a missed opportunity. “I felt we needed to change it at half‑time, so we changed the structure of the team, came out on the front foot really well, had chances and I don’t know why the goal wasn’t given,” Rodgers said. “It’s a real pivotal point in the game. If we get the goal at one‑each, that breeds confidence again. I haven’t had an explanation as to why it wasn’t given.”
The manager’s frustration was mirrored by the players. Midfielder Sebastian Tounekti later admitted, “We were pushing hard, but the decision knocked the wind out of us. It’s hard to stay focused when you feel robbed.”
Even the opposition’s Lagerbielke, who had a hand in the first goal, was asked about the incident. “I’m very happy with the performance of the team in what was a difficult away game,” he said to TNT Sports. “The decision is part of football; we move on.”
Defensive lapses and Braga’s second strike
Pressing on, Celtic threw themselves at the Braga goal. Goalkeeper saves from Tierney kept the scoreline respectable, but a chaotic clearance in the 84th minute turned into a golden chance for Martinez. The ball ricocheted off a Celtic defender’s head and landed at Martinez’s feet, who slotted it home to seal a 2‑0 win.
Rodgers acknowledged the defensive shortcomings: “We continued to press and the keeper’s made a couple of great saves. We couldn’t quite get the goal and of course, at 1‑0 when you’re chasing, we then conceded a disappointing second goal.” The error underscores a pattern Celtic has shown this season—conceding soft goals from set‑piece chaos.
What this means for Celtic’s European campaign
With just one point from two matches, Celtic now sit third in Group E behind Braga (four points) and Belgian side RSC Anderlecht. A win in the final group game against Anderlecht is mathematically required, but the odds are tight. According to former referee Mike Dean (quoted by The Guardian), “When a team loses a clear goal‑scoring chance, it can be a psychological blow that lingers. The real test is whether Celtic can regroup quickly.”
Financially, a knockout‑stage appearance would add roughly €4 million in prize money and boost the club’s coefficient, important for future seeding. The disappointment also reverberates among the fanbase, still smarting from the 2023 domestic league title loss.
Historical context: Celtic in the Europa League
Celtic have a mixed record in Europe’s second‑tier competition. Their best run came in 2021‑22, reaching the quarter‑finals before bowing out to an Italian side. Since the re‑branding of the UEFA Cup to the Europa League in 2009, they have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16. The current group‑stage struggle mirrors the 2014‑15 campaign, where a disputed penalty decision also tipped the balance against them.
Analysts point out that limited squad depth and the rigours of a congested domestic calendar often leave the team vulnerable in European fixtures. Until Rodgers can reinforce the back line—perhaps by signing a centre‑back during the January window—their chances of a deep run remain doubtful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the disallowed goal affect Celtic’s chances of advancing?
Losing the equaliser means Celtic left the match with a two‑goal deficit. In a three‑team group, that puts them third with only one point. They now need a win and a favourable result elsewhere, which statistically reduces their advancement probability to under 30%.
Who was responsible for the VAR decision?
Video assistant referee Christian Dingert reviewed the incident for more than two minutes before confirming referee Tobias Stieler’s handball call. Both have since faced criticism from fans and pundits for the prolonged review and perceived error.
What did former Celtic defender Gustaf Lagerbielke say after the match?
Lagerbielke told TNT Sports he was pleased with Braga’s performance, describing the game as “difficult away” but emphasizing that “the decision is part of football; we move on.” His comments highlighted the professionalism of players on both sides despite the controversy.
When is Celtic’s next Europa League match?
Celtic face RSC Anderlecht at home on 7 November 2025. The match will be crucial; a victory would lift them to eight points, keeping the knockout‑stage hopes alive.
What are experts saying about Brendan Rodgers’ tactics after the loss?
Pundit Michael Grant noted that Rodgers’ half‑time reshuffle showed intent but left the defence exposed at the back. He suggested that a more balanced approach, perhaps retaining a defensive midfielder, could prevent the kind of chaos that led to Braga’s second goal.
J T
October 6, 2025 AT 21:23What a joke, VAR just loves to ruin games 😒
A Lina
October 6, 2025 AT 22:13The decision contravenes the IFAB interpretation of handball, especially given the negligible contact with the forearm. Moreover, the VAR protocol stipulates a maximum review time of 60 seconds for clear‑cut incidents, yet this case lingered for double that. Such procedural laxity erodes trust in officiating standards. It also fuels a narrative that elite clubs receive inconsistent treatment.
Virginia Balseiro
October 7, 2025 AT 18:13Guys, I feel the fire still burns under the Bhoys despite the heartbreak! That equaliser could've re‑ignited the squad’s momentum and sparked a comeback that would have echoed through Celtic Park. Remember how we rallied in the 2022 run – it’s that same gritty spirit that can turn this setback into a catalyst. Rodgers’ tactical tweaks showed ambition, and the players responded with intensity. Even though the goal was snatched away, the pressing numbers were up, and the chances created were genuine. Let’s channel that aggression into the next group game; a win against Anderlecht is within reach if the lads stay hungry. Keep the chants loud, keep the belief alive – the European dream isn’t dead yet.
Jared Mulconry
October 7, 2025 AT 19:03I hear the optimism, but we should also weigh the defensive frailties exposed by Braga. The clear‑cut set‑piece error in the 84th minute illustrates a recurring lack of organisation during dead balls. Statistically, Celtic concede a goal every 12 set‑piece situations this season, which is unsustainable at this level. Balancing the attacking zeal with a tighter backline could be the key to avoiding another costly concession.
Brandon Rosso
October 9, 2025 AT 11:53Esteemed supporters, the forthcoming fixture against Anderlecht presents an auspicious opportunity to rectify the group standings. Should Celtic secure victory, the points tally would ascend to eight, thereby restoring calculable prospects of progression. It is incumbent upon the squad to exhibit composure, discipline, and tactical acumen. I remain confident that our collective resolve will manifest in a commendable performance.
Tracee Dunblazier
October 9, 2025 AT 12:43While the sentiment is commendable, one must acknowledge the marginal improvements already evident in recent matches. The defensive adjustments, albeit subtle, have begun to curb the frequency of high‑risk situations. Continued patience will likely yield further stabilization.
Edward Garza
October 15, 2025 AT 06:46Honestly, this is what happens when you let a manager gamble at halftime and then blame referees for the fallout. The team looked sloppy, the shape was all over the place, and the players seemed resigned after the VAR call. It’s not just a single decision; it’s a symptom of a deeper tactical incoherence. Rodgers needs to pull his head out of the clouds and give his squad a clear game plan.
Allen Rodi
October 15, 2025 AT 07:36For context, historically teams that bounce back from a 2‑0 deficit in the group stage secure an average of 2.3 points from the remaining fixtures. Celtic’s goal difference is currently –2, meaning a win against Anderlecht would not only add three points but also swing the GD positively. Managing set‑piece discipline and maintaining high press intensity are practical levers that can tip the balance.
Jody Webster
October 26, 2025 AT 20:33Maybe they should have just accepted defeat; it would’ve saved everyone the drama. The team’s morale was already low, so a loss could’ve been a cathartic reset. Over‑hyping a disallowed goal only fuels unnecessary frustration.
Steve Goodger
October 26, 2025 AT 21:56Let me take a moment to acknowledge the broader context surrounding this match, which involves not only the immediate on‑field events but also the systemic factors that influence such outcomes. First, the pressure on Celtic to perform at a European level has intensified due to financial imperatives tied to prize money and broadcasting revenue. Second, the VAR protocol itself has been a point of contention across multiple leagues, with studies indicating a marginal increase in decision‑making time without corresponding accuracy gains. Third, the psychological impact of a disallowed goal can cascade through a squad, affecting concentration, confidence, and subsequent tactical execution. Fourth, historical data from the past decade shows that teams experiencing a controversial call tend to underperform in the following fixtures by an average of 0.4 points per game. Fifth, the coaching staff must balance the need for aggressive pressing with defensive solidity, a dilemma that is amplified when momentum is abruptly halted by officiating decisions. Sixth, the fan base’s reaction, which ranges from disappointment to outrage, can create an emotional environment that either galvanizes or distracts players. Seventh, the media narrative often oversimplifies complex tactical adjustments into headline‑grabbing sound bites, which can distort public perception. Eighth, we should also consider the role of player fatigue, as the congested fixture schedule leaves limited recovery time, potentially affecting performance. Ninth, the importance of squad depth cannot be overstated; injuries to key defenders have forced the team to rely on less experienced alternatives. Tenth, the upcoming match against Anderlecht presents a strategic opportunity to reset the narrative, provided the team adopts a measured approach. Eleventh, a disciplined set‑piece routine could mitigate the defensive lapses observed today. Twelfth, fostering a resilient mindset within the squad will be essential to overcoming the psychological hurdle. Thirteenth, the club’s leadership can play a pivotal role by offering transparent communication about the VAR controversy, thereby reducing speculation. Fourteenth, embracing data‑driven analysis of shot locations and passing networks can uncover areas for improvement. Finally, by integrating these considerations into a cohesive plan, Celtic can transform this setback into a catalyst for growth and ultimately secure their place in the knockout stages.