Kelechi Iheanacho had a second-half equaliser controversially ruled out as Celtic suffered a 2-0 defeat at home to Sporting Braga in the Europa League.

The Nigerian forward thought he had drawn Celtic level in the 51st minute after charging down an attempted clearance from former Hoops defender Gustaf Lagerbielke and firing clinically into the net.

But following a lengthy VAR review, referee Tobias Stieler disallowed the goal for an alleged handball in the build-up.

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Replays suggested the ball struck Iheanacho’s face rather than his arm, yet video assistant Christian Dingert upheld the on-field decision without asking the referee to check the pitchside monitor, a call that left Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic players furious.

“I can’t understand why the referee isn’t asked to go and have a look at it,” Rodgers said. “From every angle, it’s clear it hit his face. That’s what VAR is supposed to correct, but instead we were punished.”

Former Celtic keeper Joe Hart, now a pundit, was equally baffled: “Ball comes up. No touch, hits his cheek. I am flabbergasted.”

The incident proved pivotal. Celtic had fallen behind to a speculative 35-yard strike from Ricardo Horta, which Kasper Schmeichel misjudged, and despite pressing hard after the disallowed goal, Braga’s Gabri Martinez sealed victory with a late strike.

The result leaves Rodgers’ side still searching for their first group-stage points, with Iheanacho’s chalked-off goal dominating post-match discussion.