Iheanacho’s Winner Against Dundee Was Fair, Says Former Referee

Former referee Des Roache has defended Kelechi Iheanacho’s decisive goal against Dundee FC, insisting the strike was legitimate despite controversy surrounding the build-up.

The Nigerian forward found the net to secure a crucial victory for Celtic, keeping their title challenge on course. However, the goal sparked debate after replays appeared to show Iheanacho making contact with a Dundee defender prior to scoring.

A still image circulated widely on social media appeared to show the striker with both hands on the centre-back, prompting questions over whether a foul had been committed and why VAR did not intervene.

Roache, however, dismissed the claims, maintaining that the incident did not warrant a foul.

“I’m not giving a foul there, and significantly, not one Dundee player appealed for it at the time,” he told the Daily Record. “That’s not a foul—100 per cent it’s not a foul.”

He further explained that VAR’s role is limited to correcting clear and obvious errors, suggesting the decision ultimately came down to the referee’s interpretation.

“If the referee had given a foul, VAR wouldn’t necessarily overturn it because it’s subjective,” he said. “But in this case, there’s no clear offence. It’s minimal contact at most.”

Roache also pointed to the lack of reaction from Dundee players, including the goalkeeper and defenders, as further evidence that no infringement had occurred.

“Not just the defender, but the players around him and even the goalkeeper—none of them appealed. That tells its own story,” he added.

The incident once again highlights the ongoing debate surrounding VAR and its impact on the game, with players often hesitant to celebrate goals amid uncertainty over potential reviews.

For Iheanacho and Celtic, however, the goal stood and proved decisive in their pursuit of league success.