
'Disgusting' - Hearts boss McInnes slams controversial last-gasp Celtic penalty
Hearts boss McInnes calls Celtic's last-minute penalty 'disgusting'
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.
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.
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.
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.
Derek McInnes described the penalty decision as 'disgusting' and criticized its timing, which he felt unfairly impacted the outcome of the title race.

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Yet upon seeing the penalty incident on replay, McInnes was in a state of disbelief, telling Sky Sports: âHaving seen it again, itâs disgusting, it is. I donât think itâs a penalty.
âBut weâre up against it, weâre up against everybody. Weâll be ready for Saturday. I donât think itâs a penalty, there were two more shouts for penalties in our game against Motherwell.
âIâve seen it, itâs so poor that theyâve been given that penalty and it looks like theyâve been given it. Theyâve been very fortunate. We have to realise that weâre up against everything on Saturday.â
Ex-England striker Gary Lineker, writing on X, said: âThis might be the worst VAR decision Iâve ever seen (and thereâs a lot of competition).
âExtraordinary given the significance.â
Hearts boss Derek McInnes could not believe Celtic's late penalty call (PA)
Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd was also stunned by the decision. âIt clearly hits his head,â he told Sky Sports. âIf it hits your hand, it just drops down at your feet.
âThe non-red card for Alistair Johnston against Rangers and now that tonight. Another dubious call that goes in Celtic's favour.
âQuestions will be asked.â
Kelechi Iheanacho's 99th-minute goal sparked wild scenes (PA)
However, Celtic boss Martin OâNeill believed the decision was âclear-cutâ after his sideâs lucky escape.
"Well, I have seen it back very, very briefly, it's a handball,â he told BBC Scotland. âIt looks as if it's also an elbow to the side of the head as well.
âVAR 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.