In the recent UEFA Champions League playoff first leg at Celtic Park, Bayern Munich secured a 2-1 victory over Celtic FC. The match was marred by a controversial incident that has since sparked significant debate among fans and football analysts.
The Controversial Incident
During the game, Celtic’s Arne Engels was involved in a contentious moment inside Bayern’s penalty area. Bayern defender Dayot Upamecano appeared to step on Engels’ foot during a challenge. Initially, the assistant referee flagged for offside, halting play. However, upon VAR review, it was determined that Engels was onside, prompting a further review for a potential penalty due to Upamecano’s challenge. After an extensive check, referee Jesús Gil Manzano opted not to award a penalty, resuming play with a drop ball. UEFA later clarified that Upamecano had played the ball fairly before any contact occurred. 
Reactions from Football Figures
Former Bayern Munich midfielder and football pundit Michael Ballack criticized the decision, asserting that it was a clear foul and that Bayern were fortunate not to concede a penalty. 
As of now, there is no public record of former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher commenting on this specific incident.
Fan Reactions
The decision not to award a penalty to Celtic has left many fans furious, feeling that their team was unjustly treated. The incident has sparked discussions about the consistency and effectiveness of VAR decisions in high-stakes matches.
Match Outcome
Despite the controversy, Bayern Munich emerged victorious with goals from Michael Olise and Harry Kane. Celtic managed to pull one back through Daizen Maeda, keeping their hopes alive for the second leg at the Allianz Arena. 
Conclusion
The incident underscores the ongoing challenges in football officiating, particularly concerning the application of VAR. While technology aims to assist in making accurate decisions, its implementation and the subjective nature of certain calls continue to be points of contention. As the debate continues, teams and fans alike will be keenly observing how such situations are handled in future high-profile matches.
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