Scottish FA explain why Celtic should never have been given controversial penalty against Motherwell

The controversial penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell last week — a decision that proved crucial in denting Hearts’ title hopes — should never have stood, according to the Scottish FA’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel.

Drama surrounded the closing stages of the Scottish Premiership season after Celtic were handed a stoppage-time spot-kick at Fir Park while the game was locked at 2-2. The decision ultimately paved the way for a dramatic 3-2 victory that significantly boosted Celtic’s title charge.

The flashpoint came when VAR official Andrew Dallas advised referee John Beaton to review an incident involving Motherwell winger Sam Nicholson and Celtic defender Auston Trusty during an aerial challenge. Dallas believed Nicholson had handled the ball, despite television replays appearing far from conclusive.

After a brief check at the pitchside monitor, Beaton overturned his original call and pointed to the spot. Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up to convert, sparking huge celebrations among Celtic players and fans.

The result had major implications for the title race. Instead of needing a three-goal victory over Hearts on the final day, Celtic only required a win by any margin to lift the league trophy. Unsurprisingly, the decision sparked major backlash across Scottish football.

Former England striker Gary Lineker labelled it “one of the worst VAR decisions” he had seen, while Hearts boss Derek McInnes blasted the call as “disgusting.”

On Friday, the KMI panel ruled that Beaton had actually been correct with his initial on-field decision not to award a penalty and concluded that the VAR intervention was wrong.

It marked the second major refereeing call to go against Hearts in the closing weeks of the season that was later deemed incorrect. Earlier, a penalty appeal involving Alexandros Kyziridis and Tawanda Maswanhise against Motherwell was also judged to have been mishandled, after referee Steven McLean stuck with his original decision despite a VAR recommendation.

With Hearts eventually finishing just two points behind Celtic, those moments are now being viewed as potentially decisive in shaping the destination of the title.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Senior Football Referees Association has strongly criticised the growing pressure and hostility directed at match officials. The organisation condemned what it described as “entirely disproportionate” scrutiny and warned against abuse, intimidation and the leaking of referees’ personal information following recent controversies.