Celtic boss publicly criticises Atletico Madrid bench

The 6-0 scoreline suggests that it was a completely one-sided game between Celtic and Atletico Madrid, and for the most part that was the case. But then, the Hoops were pretty much in the match in the early goings. That was until Daizen Maeda was shown a red card in the middle of the first half and it was all downhill for Brendan Rodgers’ side after that.

One has to point out that it was a really soft red card on Maeda. And it has once again raised questions about VAR and its application in the modern game. In real-time and on replays, it really did not look like a challenge that should have got the Japanese international sent off.

Of course, the reaction of the Atletico Madrid bench might have played a part in influencing the decision as well. And Rodgers clearly was not happy.

As reported by The Scotsman, Rodgers was annoyed by the reaction of the Atletico Madrid bench after Maeda’s challenge. The Celtic manager said:

"“They will play the game, they are obviously trying to get our player sent off.”"

Celtic boss publicly criticises Atletico Madrid bench

Even most football fans, who do not support Celtic, would agree that that was not a red card-worthy challenge on the part of Maeda. There are tens of those in any normal match.

VAR continues to be a controversial topic in football. The idea of it was to take bad decisions out of the game. Instead, it looks like it is creating new ones.

At the same time, a lot has been made of the Atletico Madrid bench’s reaction as well. But then, there are some who feel that Celtic need to embrace that side of the game if they want to make progress in Europe.

At the end of the day, what is done is done. Celtic have two more games to play in the Champions League this season, against Lazio and Feyenoord. Even if they finish bottom, which is very likely, the Hoops need to target getting at least one win.