Derek McInnes has condemned the VAR decision that awarded Celtic a 99th-minute penalty against Motherwell, calling the controversial call "disgusting" as the Scottish Premiership title race reaches its decisive moment. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the spot-kick to hand the Hoops a dramatic 3-2 victory, setting up a winner-takes-all clash with Hearts this Saturday at Parkhead.
The penalty incident occurred deep into stoppage time when referee John Beaton pointed to the spot after adjudging Sam Nicholson had committed handball. Nicholson jumped to defend a long throw alongside Celtic defender Auston Trusty, with his arm raised, but replays suggested the ball may have struck his head rather than his hand. McInnes, whose Hearts beat Falkirk 3-0 the same evening, does not believe the handball occurred at all.
McInnes Speaks Out on VAR Controversy
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Hearts manager expressed his frustration with the decision-making process. "When they were checking a 96th minute penalty, you assume they are getting it," McInnes said. "It's disgusting. We're up against everybody. I don't think it's a penalty. If I'm Motherwell, I'm really disappointed. It's so poor and it looks as though they have been given it." He acknowledged the scale of Saturday's fixture, adding: "To do it, we're going to have to go and get a positive result. What a game it's going to be."
Hearts now hold a slender one-point lead over the Hoops heading into the final day of the season. Celtic's winning streak has extended to six consecutive matches, with the title now decided by a single fixture rather than goal difference. Currently, Hearts hold a five-goal advantage in goal difference, but only the three points from victory matter now.
O'Neill Defends VAR Decision
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill backed the VAR process, claiming the referee had "no hesitation" once he reviewed the incident. "Well, I have seen it back very, very briefly, it's a handball, it looks as if it's also an elbow to the side of the head as well," O'Neill told BBC Scotland. "VAR have asked the referee to come over and have a look at it, and he's had no hesitation in giving the penalty."
Iheanacho's penalty proved pivotal given his injury-plagued season. The forward has battled hamstring problems throughout the campaign but delivered when it mattered most. O'Neill praised his match-winner's composure and contribution during crucial moments late in the season, highlighting the importance of squad depth in title races.
The Scottish Premiership title will be decided at Celtic Park this weekend in what promises to be one of the most significant matches of the season. Hearts travel to Glasgow knowing victory delivers the trophy, while Celtic must win to claim their first title in two years. The controversial penalty has only intensified the narrative surrounding what will be a fiercely contested encounter.
