(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has expressed strong criticism over a late penalty decision in the Scottish Premiership match involving Celtic, describing the call as unfair during a key moment in the title race.
The incident occurred after a VAR review in stoppage time, when referee John Beaton awarded a penalty following a handball appeal against Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson. The decision was made after checking the pitchside monitor.
Replays suggested the ball may have made contact with Nicholson’s head rather than his arm, but the on-field decision stood and Celtic converted the penalty to secure a 3–0 win.
Following the match, McInnes said he disagreed with the decision and felt it had a major impact on the title race, which is now set to be decided on the final day of the season. He also stated that Hearts felt hard done by the call and questioned the consistency of officiating.
The result means Celtic remain in contention going into the decisive final fixture, where the championship outcome will be determined.
