Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was left fuming after a controversial VAR decision robbed his side of a dramatic late equaliser against Braga, with the Northern Irishman describing the moment as "a hit in the face" for his team.
The dramatic incident occurred during the closing stages of Celtic's European clash, when what appeared to be a legitimate goal was ruled out following a lengthy VAR review. Rodgers watched in disbelief as his players' celebrations were cut short by the technology that continues to divide football opinion.
'It's Embarrassing' - Rodgers Unleashes on Officials
Speaking in a post-match interview filled with raw emotion, Rodgers didn't hold back his frustration. "When you see it, it's embarrassing," the Celtic boss stated. "For that to be ruled out, it's a real hit in the face for the players and for everyone who's come to watch the game."
The decision proved particularly galling for Celtic, who had fought back strongly in the second half and believed they had secured a valuable point until VAR intervened. Rodgers emphasised the human cost of such decisions, questioning whether the technology was being applied consistently.
Growing Concerns Over VAR Implementation
This latest controversy adds to the growing list of VAR-related disputes affecting clubs across British football. Many managers and pundits have expressed concerns about how the technology is being implemented, with decisions often taking several minutes and leaving players and fans in limbo.
Rodgers' outburst highlights the increasing tension between managers and football's technological revolution. "We're told it's clear and obvious - that was neither clear nor obvious," he argued, echoing sentiments shared by several Premier League managers this season.
What This Means for Celtic's European Campaign
The disallowed goal and subsequent defeat represents a significant blow to Celtic's European ambitions. Dropping points in such controversial circumstances could prove costly in their group stage campaign, adding extra pressure to their remaining fixtures.
As the VAR debate continues to rage, this incident serves as another flashpoint in the ongoing discussion about technology's role in football. For Rodgers and Celtic, however, the focus now turns to regrouping and ensuring that such controversial decisions don't define their season.
