Referee issues clarity as Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal divides fans in Scotland

Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winner for Celtic against Dundee, but the goal has divided fans in Scotland, especially from their rivals, Rangers, who believe the goal shouldn't have stood, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old came off the bench in the 58th minute, replacing Tomás Cvancara before scoring the winner. A cross from Marcelo Saracchi wasn't properly cleared by the Dundee backline.

Iheanacho then instinctively shoved Ryan Astley out of his path before blasting the ball into the back of the net. The Dundee defenders protested the decision, and VAR swung into action.

However, they only checked for a potential offside, and the goal was given after it was confirmed the Nigerian striker didn't stray past the last defender before Saracchi's cross came in.

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Des Roache reacts to Kelechi Iheanacho's goal

Rangers fans were clearly upset, on social media at least. However, retired Scottish referee Des Roache didn't buy into the claims, suggesting Iheanacho's contact wasn't enough to overturn the goal.

“You look at that still there and it doesn't look great, but football's a physical sport,” the 50-year-old said in quotes revealed by the Daily Record.

“If it's given as a foul, VAR isn't going to overrule it. But VAR is only there to comment on clear and obvious errors.

“So what's happened there is an opinion, and we share the same opinion.

“If I was VAR and the referee gave a foul, I could support it and say you know what? Yeah he's shoved him, he's nudged him.

“But it's just absolutely not. And Iheanacho looking and waiting to see what's going to happen, that's a symptom of where we are with VAR; they're not sure they can celebrate a goal.

“I've got no issue with the decision at all.

“Not just Astley, but you look at the goalkeeper and the players surrounding him, nobody is looking for a foul,” the retired referee concluded.

Iheanacho has also been tipped to make a magical return to Eric Chelle's squad at the end of the season by coach Martin O'Neill, but that'll only happen if he stays fit.