Hearts coach McInnes condemns 'disgusting' Celtic penalty as title race heads to decider
Derek McInnes claims Hearts were 'given' the penalty after late intervention keeps championship hopes alive for Celtic
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has strongly criticised a 99th-minute penalty awarded to Celtic, describing the decision as "disgusting" after Kelechi Iheanacho converted the spot-kick to secure a 3-2 victory over Motherwell. The result keeps the Scottish Premiership title race open, forcing a decider on the final day of the season where Hearts must avoid defeat at Celtic Park to claim the championship.
The penalty was awarded following a VAR review by referee John Beaton, who determined that Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson handled the ball during a challenge for a high ball. Despite replays suggesting the ball may have struck Nicholson's head rather than his raised hand, Beaton upheld the decision after VAR official Andrew Dallas called him to the pitchside monitor.
The late intervention altered the trajectory of the title race significantly. With Hearts leading 3-0 against Falkirk and Motherwell ahead 2-0 against Celtic, the concession of the equaliser meant Celtic remained three points behind the league leaders. Had Celtic dropped points, Hearts could have afforded to lose by two goals at Celtic Park on Saturday and still be crowned champions for the first time since 1960.
McInnes expressed frustration that the outcome left his side "up against everybody," suggesting the decision was favourable to their rivals. "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," he told Sky Sports. He added that the result means Hearts must now secure a positive result to become the first side outside of Celtic or Rangers to win the top flight in four decades.
The controversy extended beyond the pitch, with former England striker Gary Lineker criticising the decision on X. Lineker described it as potentially the "worst VAR decision" he has seen, citing its significance in determining the league outcome. The Scottish Premiership title race was previously expected to be decided before the final round of fixtures, but the late penalty has ensured a dramatic conclusion on Saturday.
