Sports
'Disgusting' - Hearts boss McInnes slams controversial last-gasp Celtic penalty
Hearts boss McInnes calls Celtic's last-minute penalty 'disgusting'
Sky Sports1 min read
Sports
âWorst VAR decision everâ: Hearts rage at âdisgustingâ Celtic penalty call which keeps title race alive
TL;DR
Hearts manager Derek McInnes criticized a late penalty awarded to Celtic for handball against Motherwell's Sam Nicholson, calling it 'disgusting.' This controversial decision has kept the Scottish Premiership title race alive, extending it to the final day.
Key points
- Hearts manager Derek McInnes criticized a late penalty decision
- Celtic was awarded a penalty for handball against Sam Nicholson
- Replays suggest the ball did not clearly touch Nicholson's hand
- The decision extended the Scottish Premiership title race to the final day
- Hearts were aiming for their first title in 66 years
HeartsCelticMotherwellSam Nicholson
Motherwell midfielder Sam Nicholson was penalised for handball in the dying seconds against Celtic (PA)
Hearts boss Derek McInnes slammed a âdisgustingâ late penalty awarded to Celtic on Wednesday night â 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 six 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.
Nicholsonâs 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 Iheanachoâs 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.
Q&A
What was the controversial penalty decision involving Celtic and Motherwell?
The penalty was awarded to Celtic for a handball by Motherwell's Sam Nicholson in the dying seconds of the match, despite replays suggesting the ball did not touch his hand.
How does the penalty decision affect the Scottish Premiership title race?
The decision has kept the title race alive, as Hearts were close to winning their first title in 66 years, but now Celtic still has a chance to claim the championship.
What did Hearts manager Derek McInnes say about the penalty call?
Derek McInnes described the penalty decision as 'disgusting' and criticized its timing, which he felt unfairly impacted the outcome of the title race.
