There was a moment of frustration for Celtic fans during the 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in the Champions League knockout play-off, after Daizen Maeda was denied a free-kick following a clash with Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano. The incident occurred when Maeda was caught in the face by Upamecano’s arm, but play continued, allowing Bayern to build an attack and ultimately score to win the tie.

Rodgers Speaks Out on the Incident

Brendan Rodgers didn’t hold back in his post-match comments about the decision, making it clear he felt referee Benoit Bastien had missed a key moment in the match.

He said: (Hello Rayo), “Upamecano’s clever, he picks him up,” said Rodgers, referencing the challenge on Maeda. “It was a knock on the head. I felt the referee should have given the free-kick anyway or certainly stopped the game.”

Rodgers’ frustration was evident, as he felt the referee’s failure to act had a direct impact on the game’s outcome. While Celtic remained resolute in their efforts, the lack of a whistle allowed Bayern to push forward and capitalise, scoring later in the attack.

That’s a foul on Maeda all day long!!!! pic.twitter.com/AKV4UPMvmP

— SweetIrishGhirl (@Newrygal1) February 18, 2025

Experience May Have Made a Difference

Rodgers also acknowledged that perhaps a more experienced player or team would have acted differently in that situation. In his view, Maeda’s decision to continue playing rather than stay down might have influenced the referee’s decision not to stop play.

“Maybe a more experienced player or team might have stayed down, and then the referee has to stop the game,” Rodgers added. “But he didn’t, he played on and eventually they get the goal. We were disappointed that we obviously didn’t get that in the build-up.”

The Impact on Celtic’s Champions League Journey

Despite the Champions League exit, Celtic fought hard against the German giants, showing resilience and determination throughout the match. However, moments like these, where crucial decisions go against them, are part of the frustration Celtic supporters feel in European competitions. The failure to get a free-kick could have potentially altered the course of the tie, but Celtic will look to build on this performance as they continue their pursuit of a yet another domestic treble, with the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup still to play for.

Rodgers and his players will undoubtedly take heart from an incredible display, but they’ll be left wondering what might have been had the referee’s decision gone their way. With Maeda’s head injury a serious concern due to concussion protocols, his knock wasn’t given the stoppage in play it should have deserved, even if it was in the last couple of minutes of the game.