Hearts manager McInnes slams ‘disgusting’ Celtic penalty

Hearts manager McInnes slams ‘disgusting’ Celtic penalty

Hearts manager Derek McInnes has slammed the ‘disgusting’ decision to award title rivals Celtic a stoppage-time penalty against Motherwell on Wednesday night.

Celtic were awarded a last-gasp spot-kick in their 3-2 win at Fir Park, after after Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson was adjudged to have handled in the box.

Despite a high hand, replays suggested the ball made contact with Nicholson’s head, though referee John Beaton pointed to the spot after being told by VAR to consult the pitchside monitor.

Had Celtic dropped points, Hearts could have afforded to lose 2-0 at Celtic Park this weekend and still be crowned champions. Now, the league leaders must avoid defeat to the defending champions, if the Edinburgh side are to end a 40-year dominance of the division by Celtic and Rangers.

McInnes was raging at full-time and said his side are “up against everybody” in the title race. However, he said Hearts will relish the challenge of earning the result required to become champions.

“When you heard Celtic had a 96th-minute penalty going to VAR, you just assume they get it,” the Hearts head coach told Sky Sports.

“It’s disgusting. We’re up against it, we’re up against everybody. I don’t think it’s a penalty. It’s so poor and it looks as though [Celtic] have been given it. They have been very fortunate.

“It’s going to the last game. We’re delighted to be part of it,” McInnes added.

“To do it, we’re going to have to go and get a positive result. I’m looking forward to it already, there’ll be no feeling sorry for ourselves. What a game it’s going to be.”

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