By Michael Gannon

Copyright dailyrecord

Celtic fans held a temporary truce with their protest against the Parkhead board. But they trained their anger on the match officials instead after a VAR shocker as Brendan Rodgers ’s side went down to Braga. Celtic were left fuming when Kelechi Iheanacho ’s second half leveller was inexplicably ruled out for handball – despite replays suggesting the ball came off the striker’s head. And the Portuguese outfit twisted the knife when Gabri Martinez pounced with a late killer second after Kasper Schmeichel couldn’t keep out Ricardo Horta’s opener from miles out. It was a sore one for Celts who rallied from a horrendous first period only to suffer a late sucker punch amid chaotic defending that leaves them playing catch up in the Europa League. Braga beat Feyenoord in last week’s opener but boss Carlos Vicens arrived in Glasgow under pressure amid wretched form on the home front. They looked vulnerable as Celts threatened early on but the visitors gained a foothold before Parkhead was left stunned by the opening bolt from the blue. There didn’t look much danger but Horta let rip from 35 yards and left Schmeichel flapping at fresh air. The Hoops were on the ropes but Rodgers’s switch to a back three regained the momentum – and should have been level if not for the dodgy VAR call. Iheanacho managed to wriggle free of two men and control the ball with his HEAD before slamming into the corner. But video officials bizarrely ruled it out for a phantom hand ball to stun Celtic Park again. Kieran Tierney went close with a header before the lively Sebastian Tounekti was denied by a breathtaking save from keeper Lukas Hornicek as the Hoops piled on the pressure. But there was late heartache when the Scottish champs were hit in the break and Martinez buried from close range after Schmeichel and Liam Scales had blocked in the slapstick build up. By that stage Celts looked lost amid a a cruel, miserable end to a sobering night The VAR call was brutal but there’s no doubt this was a big blow to Celtic’s Europa League hopes. The second period was a huge improvement after Rodgers changed formation but the same issues that have plagued the Parkhead men hurt them here. There was talk of gaps in the stands but it was gaps in the squad that were the issue again here. It’s maybe just as well this side didn’t make the Champions League as the Europa will be hard enough. The midfield isn’t clicking and goals are too hard to come by. Ineanacho’s effort should have stood but there still wasn’t enough in terms of clear cut chances and the ones they did create were either squandered or saved. They eventually paid a hefty price when Braga plundered a second, but that’s the danger when you don’t stick the ball in the net. The Hoops are now going to have to pick up results away from home – and to do so they will need to somehow find more of a cutting edge. Despite the talk of a Euro boycott, Celtic fans turned out in impressive numbers, with almost 50,000 pitching up for a tea time kick-off The silent protest was postponed as well after club chiefs agreed to a Monday pow-wow with supporters groups and it seemed the bad blood was parked for the greater good. The atmosphere was pretty positive throughout and it was more like business as usual in the stands – including the prospect of yet another fine from UEFA. The ultras section rolled out a banner at kick-off saying, UEFA is complicit in genocide by normalising Israel. Kick them out now’. Regardless of how many people might agree with the sentiment, political displays are a big no-no when it comes to the beaks, so it’s more than likely another sanction is on the way. As for the relations with the support, a lot will depend on the big meeting, but it’s results like this that might keep the anger levels at boiling point as it’s obvious the sins of the summer are going to cause long lasting damage. Kasper Schmeichel said on the eve of the game he’s never felt better physically or mentally, despite some questions being asked in recent months. But he wasn’t at his best here. There were some dodgy moments with the ball at his feet but the opening goal was a shocker. It was an incredible strike from Horta, which viciously dipped and swerved all over the place. Yet it was a good 30 yards plus from goal and it didn’t exactly fly into the top corner. Schmeichel should have done better and the questions will only get louder. The Portuguese playmaker has been a forgotten man for much of the early part of the season but he was given a big chance against the side from his homeland. Bernardo made a bright start but started to get swamped in the first half and was caught on his heels rather than closing down Horta before he let fly for the opener. The Hoops midfield struggled in general up against the four in the centre for Braga, until Rodgers made his tactical switch in the second period. The extra bodies in there made all the difference and Bernardo became more of a positive influence before tiring and being replaced. The opportunity is there for him as the Hoops midfield isn’t firing. Kieran Tierney clocked up his 400th appearance as a pro against Braga – and might have given a hint what the next part of his career might look like. Hitting four centuries is not bad going for a player who is harshly branded injury-prone. He’s been building fitness and performances at left back. The shift to left side of a back three – where he’s starred for Scotland – was a solid move and it seemed to get more out of him in terms of passing out and getting forward. It might not be a role for now but certainly a decent long term option.