Penalty controversy at Motherwell throws extra heat on Celtic’s title run-in

None of that, understandably, has satisfied Derek McInnes. The Hearts manager was on Sky Sports after the full-time whistle and he was not hiding how he felt. “When they were checking a 96th minute penalty, you assume they [Celtic] are getting it. It’s disgusting. We’re up against everybody. I don’t think it’s a penalty.” He went further: “If I’m Motherwell, I’m really disappointed. It’s so poor, and it looks as though [Celtic] have been given it. They are very fortunate.”

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou was similarly unconvinced, calling the decision an “unreal moment” and suggesting that even if there was contact, it was because Trusty’s own movement pushed Nicholson’s arm upward. To be fair to both managers, their frustration is understandable – nobody wants a tight game decided like that in the 96th minute. But Martin O’Neill, speaking via BBC Scotland, was clear: “It’s a handball. 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.”

O’Neill’s wider message was just as important: “We may not win it, but what we have done is that we have fought really impressively throughout these last number of weeks.” That’s the spirit. Whatever happens on Saturday, this Celtic side – and this is a team that has had its wobbles this season, we all know it – have refused to lie down.

The title race implications are stark. Had Celtic drawn at Fir Park, they would have needed not just a win over Hearts at Paradise on Saturday but a massive goal swing to lift the title. Now, a single victory does the job. Hearts, meanwhile, only need to avoid defeat – a draw sends the championship to Gorgie for the first time since 1960. That is some incentive for the Jambos. But Paradise on a title-deciding afternoon is no place for the faint-hearted, and Celtic will have 60,000 of their own roaring them on.

It’s worth noting that John Beaton is no stranger to controversy in matches involving Celtic. He was at the centre of a formal complaint from the club following an ill-tempered visit to Ibrox in December 2018. VAR has been a running sore in Scottish football since its introduction in October 2022, with handball interpretations in particular remaining a source of genuine confusion across clubs. The debate about transparency – about why certain decisions are made and how – isn’t going away after this week. But that’s a battle for after Saturday.

Right now, this title race has everything – drama, controversy, last-gasp drama, and a genuine winner-takes-all final day. Celtic need one win. One performance. At home. In front of their own supporters. The Hoops are one game from glory, and whatever Derek McInnes thinks of that 96th-minute penalty, it’s happening.

Saturday cannot come soon enough.

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