Kelechi Promise Iheanacho, the prolific striker for both the Super Eagles and Celtic, has made an impressive impact since his move to Scotland, netting three goals and assisting once in six appearances across all competitions, according to Soccernet.ng.
The former Manchester City attacker was denied what could have been an additional goal during Celtic’s UEFA Europa League clash against Braga, as his strike was controversially ruled out for handball.
This contentious call ignited widespread debate, with many supporters expressing frustration, convinced that the Hoops were unjustly prevented from equalizing.
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Following the match, Iheanacho expressed his disappointment, insisting that his team was unfairly denied a crucial chance to level the score, as they were trailing by just one goal at that point.
Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, also criticized UEFA, suggesting that their referees need to be held accountable for such questionable decisions. However, a week later, no official response has been issued.
Ex-Premier League Referee Dermot Gallagher Questions Iheanacho’s Disallowed Goal
Dermot Gallagher, a former referee in the English Premier League, shared his perspective on the incident, explaining why the goal was upheld despite his personal reservations.
“This decision really caught my attention. I initially believed the ball struck his face as well,” the ex-FIFA official told 67hailhail.
“I reviewed the VAR guidelines to understand why the call wasn’t overturned. My understanding is that an infraction must be clearly established to disallow a goal.
“I was informed that the on-field ruling was handball, confirmed by the assistant referee to the main official.
“Consequently, the referee nullified the goal. VAR reviewed the play and concluded there was insufficient evidence to overturn the handball decision.
“It seems counterintuitive, but the protocol requires proof to overturn the referee’s call.
“Since no conclusive evidence disproved the handball, the original decision stood,” Gallagher concluded.
Despite the controversy, Iheanacho quickly moved past the setback, finding the net in Celtic’s subsequent 3-2 victory over Motherwell, demonstrating his resilience and continued value to the team.
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