This decision has been a hot topic in the soccer world. Celtic’s final penalty at Fir Park.
Was it handball? Was it the header? What does it mean for the Scottish Premiership title race?
After a dramatic new twist in the most unforgettable season, here are the answers to the important questions…
Saturday, May 16th 11:30am
12:30pm kickoff
what happened?
The final whistle rang at Tynecastle, confirming Hearts’ victory. Celtic are seconds away from a draw against Motherwell, which would leave Hearts with a three-point lead going into the final day’s game against Celtic.
Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson then jumped up alongside Celtic’s Auston Trusty and attempted to head the ball from a long throw-in. Nicholson’s elbow was raised, likely pushed further up by Trustee’s shoulder.
The match was stopped for a VAR check. Was that for the elbow? No, Stadium PA announced it was actually for handball.
Referee John Beaton (centre) awards Celtic a stoppage time penalty against Motherwell.
Did Celtic players appeal the penalty?
Many have pointed out that Celtic’s appeal for penalties was limited. Trusty lay on the pitch holding his head after the collision with Nicholson. He continued to complain to referee John Beaton about being elbowed by a Motherwell player. However, there was no real demand for handball at that time.
What about “clear and obvious”?
Three words related to VAR.
Debate rages over whether the ball left Nicholson’s hands or whether it just hit him in the head.
The way the ball came back out of play for the throw-in suggests it went off his head, so VAR must believe it left his hands at the same time.
Can it be considered a clear mistake for VAR to intervene in cases of doubt?
How long did the VAR check take?
After VAR Andrew Dallas advised referee John Beaton to conduct an on-field review, he continued to look at the VAR screen for approximately 22 seconds while the referee used the single angle that best illustrated the incident. As a result, Nicholson’s hand was determined to be in an unnatural position and a handball penalty was assessed.
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Sky Sports experts discuss VAR’s decision to award Celtic a penalty
It was a 99th minute goal, but only 5 minutes were added?
Yes, Kelechi Iheanacho’s penalty found the back of the net at 98:27. Yes, there was only five minutes of stoppage time. However, the handball attack itself took place at 94 minutes and 52 seconds. That’s less than eight seconds of the additional time initially indicated by authorities.
Did fans notice anything else?
Well, some astute Motherwell supporters believe that the throw-in that resulted in the penalty was actually a foul throw. The image below may prove their point. However, it is important to know that VAR cannot interfere with that.
Worst VAR call in history?
It’s a bold claim, but Motherwell’s Elliot Watt believes it, tweeting that it was “the worst VAR call in history.” Manager Jens Berthel Askou was also unimpressed, saying: “I thought I had seen it all year, but apparently I haven’t. I’m shocked.”
“Even if you touch it with your claws, it’s because there’s contact when he goes up. His arm is here and it’s pushed in there, so it’s not a penalty anyway.”
“Clear” or “disgusting”?
It may not be surprising that the two bosses vying for the title had contrasting views. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said the decision “seemed to be a pretty clear call”, adding: “He gave it away for a handball and then he elbowed it too.”
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes disagreed. “I don’t like that,” he said. “I don’t think it was a penalty. We’re countering it, we’re playing against everyone, and we’re ready for Saturday.”
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Hearts manager Derek McInnes criticized the penalty decision, calling it “disgusting”.
Should there have been two more penalties?
Referee Beaton and VAR Dallas were certainly busy at Fir Park. In the first half, Celtic’s penalty claim was checked and dismissed after Motherwell goalkeeper Callum Ward collided with Daizen Maeda in the box as he tried to clear the ball.
Chris Boyd felt there was a mistake here as well. “This could be a penalty,” he said. The goalkeeper contacts Maeda first and foremost.
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Chris Sutton thinks Celtic should have been awarded a penalty after Daen Maeda and Motherwell goalkeeper Callum Ward collided
They then denied Motherwell’s claim for a spot-kick when Callum Slattery went down in the area. Despite Callum McGregor claiming a foul on Slattery, Boyd upheld the referee’s decision, saying: “I think he slipped.”
Do you get 3 wrong calls in a week?
Boyd believes the VAR decision is the latest to help Celtic win the title, saying it was “another questionable call in Celtic’s favor”.
He was referring to Stephen McLean’s decision not to award Hearts a penalty against Motherwell on Saturday despite being sent to the monitor by VAR, and Celtic’s Alistair Johnston avoiding a red card in last Sunday’s Old Firm game.
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Let’s take a look at the three key decisions from last week’s game that affected Hearts and Celtic in the title race.
Did Hearts complain?
yes. The club’s majority shareholder, the Foundation of Hearts, said in a statement: “We are deeply concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions in the last two rounds of matches that have had a significant impact on the outcome for Hearts and other teams.” It added: “The club shares these concerns and has expressed them to the football authorities seeking clarification on recent decisions.”
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Chris Sutton and Chris Boyd have been in a heated argument over the decision of Celtic’s late VAR penalty against Motherwell.
What will happen to the title fight with one match left?
Hearts had already won against Falkirk before this penalty was awarded, meaning Celtic would have dropped two points. Hearts would have gone into the final day with a three-point advantage and would have had a six-goal difference.
When the ball left the field and hit the net, the difference in points was reduced to 1 point, and the goal difference was reduced to 5 points.
What happens next?
It’s very simple. 90 minutes. 2 teams. There is only one title.
If Celtic win at home against Hearts, they will be champions again. If Hearts win, or even draw, they will be champions.
Who is involved in determining the title?
The Scottish FA has appointed Don Robertson to take charge of the game against Parkhead, with Kevin Clancy to be the VAR.
Where can I watch it?
Sky Sports Football. Broadcast live from 11:30am. Kickoff at 12:30pm. Don’t miss it.
