Brendan Rodgers has blamed the referee for killing off Celtic’s Europa League chances against Valencia.
The hoops were well in the game until Jeremy Toljan was given a second yellow card in the 37th minute and suddenly the dream became almost impossible.
“It’s up there with the proudest moments I’ve had as a manager.
“Everyone thought it was a formality, even Valencia.
“The referee has taken the game away from us.”
Strong words from Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers ???? pic.twitter.com/1nn9AI7Wqh
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 21, 2019
“I thought that the referee took the game away from us,” Rodgers said after the match. “I thought that it was a free kick to us, their player came in and knocked Jeremy over.
“The referee said it was a definite penalty but I thought that it was really harsh, it was a disappointing moment. I thought it was really harsh.
Celtic had dominated the opening half hour with eight efforts on goal without making the breakthrough. Their 3-5-2 formation adapted brilliantly, taking the game to the Spanish side at pace from all areas of the park.
After going down to 10 men Celtic had to regroup with Scott Bain pulling off two great saves before the interval.
Despite being on the back foot in the second half Kris Ajer could have given Celtic the lead but his touch was too heavy as he headed a Ryan Christie free kick.
In the 70th minute Valencia substitute Kevin Gameiro scored the only goal of the game as Celtic’s European run came to an end after 16 matches.
