Former England striker Gary Lineker has described the controversial added-time penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell as potentially the worst VAR decision he has ever seen, highlighting its significance in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Controversial Penalty Decision
In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday evening at Fir Park, referee John Beaton was instructed by video assistant referee Andrew Dallas to review a challenge by Motherwell winger Sam Nicholson on the pitchside monitor. Replays indicated that the ball struck Nicholson's head rather than his raised hand, but Beaton awarded a spot-kick. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the penalty in the ninth minute of added time, securing a 3-2 victory for Martin O'Neill's side.
Had Celtic drawn, league leaders Hearts could have afforded to lose by two goals when the sides meet on Saturday and still clinch their first title since 1960. Instead, Derek McInnes' men must avoid defeat at Celtic Park on the final day to become the first club other than Celtic or Rangers to win the Scottish top-flight in 40 years.
Lineker's Reaction
Lineker posted on X: "This might be the worst VAR decision I've seen (and there's a lot of competition). Extraordinary given the significance."
Hearts Manager's Outrage
Hearts head coach McInnes branded the penalty award "disgusting" and expressed a feeling of "us against everybody." His side had cruised to a 3-0 victory over Falkirk earlier, but the mood at Tynecastle was deflated upon learning of Celtic's lifeline.
"I shouldn't be commenting on another game, but having seen that, it feels like us against everybody," said McInnes, who was aggrieved that his side were not awarded a penalty in their 1-1 draw at Motherwell on Saturday. "When you see the two that we didn't get at the weekend and then you see that, how can they arrive at that situation? Celtic have had more than a touch of fortune getting that penalty."
He added: "I'm getting more and more dismayed at some of the decisions that our referees are coming up with. It's such a bad decision. I thought I was missing something when I was watching it. I had to ask, 'what am I looking for here?' It's actually quite disgusting, to be honest."
