Auston Trusty opens up on Motherwell penalty incident

Auston Trusty has offered fresh insight into one of the Scottish Premiership title race’s most controversial moments, insisting he believed Celtic should have been awarded a penalty for a different reason during the dramatic clash with Motherwell.

The late VAR intervention at Fir Park proved pivotal in the championship battle after Celtic were awarded a stoppage-time penalty that Kelechi Iheanacho converted to keep Martin O’Neill’s side firmly in the hunt.

Had Celtic failed to score that late equaliser, Hearts would have travelled to Celtic Park on the final day of the season knowing even a narrow defeat could still have been enough to secure the league title. Instead, Celtic entered the decisive fixture simply needing a victory to complete the turnaround.

The incident itself sparked major debate.

Referee John Beaton was instructed to review the situation after a challenge involving Trusty and Motherwell defender Sam Nicholson inside the penalty area. Following a VAR check, Beaton pointed to the spot after ruling Nicholson had handled the ball.

The decision prompted strong reactions from Motherwell and Hearts supporters, despite the Scottish FA later defending the call during its VAR Review programme.

Now, speaking on Pitch to Par with Charlie Mulgrew, Trusty has explained that his initial belief was that Celtic deserved a penalty for an entirely separate offence.

The defender claimed he felt Nicholson caught him with an elbow during the aerial duel before the handball even became the focus of attention.

Trusty joked that falling to the ground may have unintentionally helped officials notice the eventual handball incident, giving them more time to assess the situation.

The American international also dismissed suggestions from some fans online that he had somehow influenced Nicholson’s arm movement to create the handball.

He questioned how he could possibly have forced the defender’s arm toward the ball and rejected the accusations outright.

Trusty also revealed details of a brief exchange with referee Beaton immediately after the incident, explaining that he had already told the official he believed it was a penalty — though for the elbow rather than the handball.

While debate around the moment has never fully disappeared, the outcome ultimately proved decisive for Celtic.

Just days later, Martin O’Neill’s side completed a dramatic title comeback by defeating Hearts at Celtic Park, sealing one of the most memorable Premiership triumphs in recent years.