It was this decision that became a hot topic in the soccer world. Celtic’s match winning penalty at Fir Park.
Was it handball? Was it Heather? What does the Scottish Premiership title race mean?
Here are the key questions about yet another dramatic twist in one of the most unforgettable seasons…
Saturday, May 16th 11:30 AM
Kickoff at 12:30 PM
What’s going on?
The final whistle blew at Tynecastle to confirm Hearts’ victory. Celtic were seconds away from a draw at Motherwell, which would have seen Hearts go to Celtic with a three-point lead on the final day.
Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson then leapt alongside Celtic’s Auston Trusty to head home a long throw-in. Nicholson’s elbow rose and was probably pushed further up by Trusty’s shoulder.
The game was stopped for VAR confirmation. Was it because of the elbow? no. The PA Stadium announced that it was actually a handball stadium.
Referee John Beaton (centre) awarded an injury time penalty to Celtic at Motherwell.
Did Celtic players call for a penalty kick?
Many pointed out that Celtic’s appeal against the punishment was limited. Trusty lay on the field holding his head after the collision with Nicholson. He went on to complain to referee John Beaton that he had been elbowed by a Motherwell player. However, there were no real claims of handball at the time.
What about ‘clear and obvious’?
Three words related to VAR.
Debate raged over whether the ball had left Nicholson’s hand or just hit his head.
The way the ball flies back out of the pitch for a throw-in suggests it came off his head, so VAR has to believe it came out of his hands at the same time.
If there is any doubt, can VAR’s intervention be considered a clear and obvious error?
How long did the VAR check take?
After VAR Andrew Dallas advised referee John Beaton to carry out an on-field review, he was on the VAR screen for around 22 seconds while the referees used the one angle that best showed the incident. Accordingly, it was determined that a handball penalty was issued because Nicholson’s hand position was unnatural.
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Sky Sports pundits debate VAR’s decision to award a penalty to Celtic.
A goal was scored in the 99th minute but only 5 minutes were added?
Yes, Kelechi Iheanacho’s penalty hit the goal at 98:27. Yes, there were only 5 minutes of extra time. However, the handball attack itself occurred at 94 minutes and 52 seconds, eight seconds earlier than the extra time initially indicated by the referee.
Have fans noticed anything different?
Well, some eagle-eyed Motherwell supporters believe that the throw-in that resulted in the penalty was actually a foul throw. The image below can prove their claim. However, it is important to know that VAR cannot intervene here.
Worst VAR decision ever?
It’s a bold claim, but Motherwell’s Elliot Watt believes it, tweeting that it was “the worst VAR decision in history”. His manager, Jens Berthel Askou, was also unimpressed and said: “I thought I’d seen it all year, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen it. It’s shocking.
“Even if you touch it with your fingernails, there is contact when it goes up. Since the arm is here and then pushed back, there is no penalty anyway.”
‘Clear cut’ or ‘disgusting’?
It may not be surprising that the two bosses fighting for the title have conflicting views. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said the decision “seems to be a very clear one”, adding: “He made this decision for a handball and he had an elbow on top of it.”
Hearts manager Derek McInnes disagreed. “It’s disgusting,” he said. “I don’t think it was a penalty, we are dealing with it, we are dealing with everyone and we will be ready for Saturday.”
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Hearts manager Derek McGuinness said the penalty decision was “disgusting”.
Should I be punished twice more?
Referee Beaton and VAR Dallas were certainly busy at Fir Park. In the first half, they saw and dismissed Celtic’s penalty appeal after Motherwell goalkeeper Callum Ward collided in the box with Daizen Maeda as he attempted to clear the ball.
Kris Boyd felt there was a mistake here too. “This could be a penalty kick,” he said. “The goalkeeper touches Maeda first and foremost.”
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Chris Sutton believed Celtic should have been awarded a penalty after a clash between Daizen Maeda and Motherwell goalkeeper Calum Ward.
Later they also denied Motherwell’s spot-kick claim when Callum Slattery was brought down in the area. Despite Callum McGregor’s claim of a foul on Slattery, Boyd backed the referee’s decision, saying: “I think he slipped.”
Do you get the wrong call three times a week?
Boyd believes this VAR decision is the latest to boost Celtic’s title bid, calling it “another dubious decision that has worked in Celtic’s favor”.
He is referring to Stephen Maclean’s decision not to award a penalty to Hearts despite being monitored by VAR against Motherwell, and Celtic’s Alistair Johnstone avoiding a red card in last Sunday’s Old Firm game.
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Let’s take a look at three key decisions that affected Hearts and Celtic in the title race last week.
With just one game left, what will happen to the title race?
Before the penalty was awarded, Hearts had already won against Falkirk and Celtic were set to go two points down. That would have given leaders Hearts a three-point advantage heading into the final day and a superior goal difference of six points.
When the ball left the spot and hit the net, the gap was reduced to 1 point and the goal difference was reduced to 5 points.
What happens next?
It’s very simple. 90 minutes. Two teams. One title.
If Celtic win at home to Hearts they will be champions again. Should Hearts win, or even draw, it is they who will be champions.
Who will be involved in the title decider?
The Scottish FA appointed Don Robertson as Parkhead’s match manager, with Kevin Clancy taking charge of VAR.
Where can I see it?
Sky Sports Football. Live from 11:30 am. Kickoff occurs at 12:30 PM. Don’t miss it.
