Hearts boss Derek McInnes slammed a “disgusting” late penalty awarded to Celtic on Wednesday night – which stretched a dramatic Scottish Premiership title race to the final day.
Hearts, eyeing their first title in 66 years, had one hand on the trophy after their 3-0 win over Falkirk, with Celtic drawing 2-2 away at Motherwell. If it ended that way, Celtic would have needed to win by three goals or more in their final day showdown on Saturday to win the title.
However, Motherwell midfielder Sam Nicholson was penalised in the dying seconds for handball after a challenge in the air from a long throw. Yet replays do not show the ball clearly touching the hand; rather, Nicholson heads the ball away.
Nicholson’s elbow was also near a Celtic player challenging for the ball, but all signs indicate the penalty was given for handball. The late decision and Kelechi Iheanacho’s subsequent conversion of the spot-kick means it is a winner-takes-all clash at Celtic Park on Saturday. A point ahead, Hearts would also seal the title with a draw.
Yet upon seeing the penalty incident on replay, McInnes was in a state of disbelief, telling Sky Sports: “Having seen it again, it’s disgusting, it is. I don’t think it’s a penalty.
“But we’re up against it, we’re up against everybody. We’ll be ready for Saturday. I don’t think it’s a penalty, there were two more shouts for penalties in our game against Motherwell.
“I’ve seen it, it’s so poor that they’ve been given that penalty and it looks like they’ve been given it. They’ve been very fortunate. We have to realise that we’re up against everything on Saturday.”
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker, writing on X, said: “This might be the worst VAR decision I’ve ever seen (and there’s a lot of competition).
“Extraordinary given the significance.”
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was also stunned by the decision. “It clearly hits his head,” he told Sky Sports. “If it hits your hand, it just drops down at your feet.
“The non-red card for Alistair Johnston against Rangers and now that tonight. Another dubious call that goes in Celtic’s favour.
“Questions will be asked.”
However, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill believed the decision was “clear-cut” after his side’s lucky escape.
“Well, I have seen it back very, very briefly, it’s a handball,” he told BBC Scotland. “It looks as if it’s also an elbow to the side of the head as well.
“VAR have asked the referee to come over and have a look at it, and he’s [had] no hesitation in giving the penalty.”
The final day clash between the two title rivals takes place on Saturday at 12:30pm BST at Celtic Park.
