Kasper Schmeichel was left baffled as to why Celtic were not awarded a penalty against Bayern Munich last night…
Kasper Schmeichel of Celtic acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Champions League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic and Bayern München at Celtic Park on February 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
A lengthy VAR check took place just minutes after prolific England skipper Harry Kane made it 2-0 in the second half following Bayern centre-back Dayot Upamecano’s clumsy tackle on Celtic midfielder Arne Engels.
Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano was then called over to the monitor by Carlos del Cerro Grande after it was confirmed Eric Dier was playing Engels onside in the build-up to the incident.
However, Manzano stuck with his original decision much to the bemusement of the home support – despite two replays showing Upamecano quite clearly standing on Engels’ foot.
In a surreal post-match interview with his father, Kasper told CBS Sports:
“I don’t know what rules are in football anymore. I mean, what’s a penalty, what’s not a penalty? It’s literally whatever the referee has woken up and felt that day.”
When shown a replay of the incident for the first time, the 38 year-old Celtic goalkeeper was in complete disbelief that his side were not awarded a spot-kick.
“Oh my God. That looks like a penalty,” Kasper said. “It looks like a clear penalty. Had that been the other end, that was a pen.”
Hyunjun Yang lifts his jersey as the final whistle blows with Reo Hatate on the ground in front, dejected Celtic v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Knockout Round Play-offs, First Leg, Football, Celtic Park on 12 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock
Daizen Maeda pulling a goal back for the hosts and becoming the first Celt to score four goals in a single European campaign since Joe Craig in 1977/1978 saw momentum in the stadium palpably shift. If Celtic were given respite from Manzano and a penalty was given, the tie may have looked different heading to Bavaria next week.
However, Brendan Rodgers’ side still have a chance. Stranger results have happened, but Celtic will need to pull off one of their most remarkable European results in their 137-year history if they are to book their place in the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition.
Conor Spence
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