UEFA response to Celtic VAR controversy vs Braga won't go public due to key loophole

Kelechi Iheanacho saw a leveller in the Europa League showdown chalked off for handball

UEFA are reportedly set to keep their verdict on Celtic's no goal against Braga under lock and key.

Kelechi Iheanacho appeared to have pulled the Scottish champions level in the second half of the Europa League showdown.

But German whistler Tobias Stieler would rule out the striker after a handball was flagged by on-field assistant Timo Gerach and fourth official.

The TNT sports team leaking audio picked up on the headset stating from the VAR team claiming "officials are saying there is a clear brush of the left arm somewhere in the footage".

Celtic are taking their anger over the decision to UEFA to demand an explanation over the incident after Brendan Rodgers questioned why Christian Dingert on VAR did not send the man in the middle to review the flashpoint at the pitchside monitor.

The baffled boss said: “I can't understand why the referee isn't asked to go and have a look at it.

"I think if you're looking at that, even if you look at it once, twice, and I'm assuming the guys in the VAR will have watched it more than that, because of the time it took, there's absolutely no way from every angle you look at that he's touched it with his arm.

“It's hit his face, he's gone on and finished it really, really well. And that's a big moment in the game for us.

"I think clearly that is what the assumption is, that it's not conclusive. It's a mistake by the referee.

"That for me is what VAR is about, to correct the wrong decision. So it was a wee bit baffling that he wasn't even asked to come over and look at the screen.

"I don't know why and I haven't had an explanation. It's a real pivotal point in the game. If we get the goal at 1-1, that breeds the confidence again."

But The Sun report that European football's governing body a have protocol in place over going public with their verdicts.

UEFA will only publish the explanations for VAR decisions to Champions League game - and "are not duty bound" to do the same for Europa League or Conference League games.

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