Brendan Rodgers: “When you look closely, it was a very rigorous red”

MADRID, 8 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –

The Celtic FC coach, Brendan Rodgers, complained about the “very rigorous” expulsion of the Japanese striker Daizen Maeda in their match this Tuesday against Atlético de Madrid, corresponding to matchday 4 of Group E in the Champions League and that It ended with a resounding victory for the colchoneros 6-0.

“We believe that it was not a play for Red, we have seen the replays several times and both collide with each other, they kick each other. I think the images do not represent the real action that occurred on the field of play,” lamented Rodgers, after of the meeting, in the press room of the Cívitas Metropolitano stadium.

“When you look in detail, it was a very strict red. It is true that even with 11 players we would have had to be at our best to get something out of here. The moment we were down to 10 against 11, the game became much more difficult “argued the Celtic coach.

After analyzing the clear defeat, the visiting coach was asked again about the controversial expulsion of Maeda in the 23rd minute. Although the Slovak referee Ivan Kruzliak had initially shown the Japanese yellow card, he corrected his decision after consulting the VAR. And that direct red card left the team coached by Rodgers crestfallen.

“In the image you can see that our player lifts his foot, but you don’t see the entire play. You don’t see the intensity of the action and it is both players who collide. But well, the referee changed his mind and that complicated the game for us. game,” Rodgers finally insisted, admitting that his good opinion of VAR has changed over the years.