Q&A: Was VAR call for Celtic penalty at Motherwell ‘clear cut’ or ‘worst decision in history’?
Celtic were awarded a match-winning 99th-minute penalty at Motherwell which changes the title race picture before a final-day showdown at Celtic Park; Hearts lead Celtic by a point with title set to be decided when they meet on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Football from 11.30am
Thursday 14 May 2026 13:41, UK
It is the decision that has got the footballing world talking. Celtic’s match-winning penalty at Fir Park.
Was it a handball? Was it a header? What does it mean for the Scottish Premiership title race?
Here are the key questions answered following another dramatic twist in the most unforgettable season...
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What happened?
The final whistle had gone at Tynecastle to seal a win for Hearts. Celtic were seconds away from drawing at Motherwell, which would have seen Hearts go to Celtic on the final day with a three-point lead.
Then, Motherwell's Sam Nicholson jumped up with Celtic's Auston Trusty to try to head the ball from a long throw-in. Nicholson's elbow was raised and was perhaps pushed further up by Trusty's shoulder.
The game stopped for a VAR check. Was that for an elbow? No. The stadium PA announced it was in fact for handball.
Did Celtic players appeal for a penalty?
Many have noted that the Celtic appeals for a penalty were limited. Trusty lay on the pitch following the collision with Nicholson and held his head. He went on to complain to referee John Beaton about being elbowed by the Motherwell player. However, there were no real claims for a handball at the time.
What about 'clear and obvious'?
The three words that have been associated with VAR.
Debate has raged about whether the ball came off Nicholson's hand or if it only hit his head.
The way the ball flew back out of play for a throw-in suggests it came off his head, so VAR must believe it came off his hand at the same time.
If there is doubt, can it be deemed as a clear and obvious error for the VAR to intervene?
How long did the VAR check take?
After VAR Andrew Dallas advised referee John Beaton to carry out an on-field review, he was at the VAR screen for around 22 seconds as officials used the one angle that best showed the incident. From that, it was decided Nicholson's hand was in an unnatural position, resulting in a penalty for handball.
A 99th-minute goal but only five minutes added?
Yes, Kelechi Iheanacho's penalty hit the net with the clock at 98:27. Yes, there were only five minutes of added time. However, the handball offence itself took place at 94:52 - that's eight seconds within the added time initially indicated by the officials.
Did fans spot something else?
Well, some eagle-eyed Motherwell supporters believe the throw-in that resulted in the penalty was in-fact a foul-throw. The image below could prove their point. However, it is important to know VAR can't intervene in that.
Worst VAR decision ever?
It's a bold claim, but Motherwell's Elliot Watt believes so as he tweeted "the worst VAR decision in history". His manager Jens Berthel Askou wasn't impressed either and said: "I thought I'd seen it all this year, but apparently I haven't. It's shocking.
"Even if he touches with his fingernail, it's because there's contact when he goes up. His arm is here, then he gets pushed into it, so it would never be a penalty anyway."
'Clear cut' or 'disgusting'?
It might be no surprise that the two bosses battling for the title had contrasting views. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said the decision "looks as if it's a pretty clear cut" and added "he's given it for the handball, and also an elbow on top of that there as well".
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes disagreed. "It's disgusting," he said. "I don't think it's a penalty kick. We're up against it, we're up against everybody and we'll be ready for Saturday."
Should there have been TWO MORE penalties?
Referee Beaton and VAR Dallas were certainly busy at Fir Park. In the first half they checked and dismissed an appeal from Celtic for a penalty after Motherwell goalkeeper Calum Ward collided with Daizen Maeda in the box as he tried to clear the ball.
Kris Boyd felt there was a mistake here too. "This could be a penalty," he said. "The goalkeeper makes contact with Maeda before anything else."
Later, they also rejected Motherwell spot-kick claims when Callum Slattery went down in the area. Despite claims for a foul by Callum McGregor on Slattery, Boyd backed the referee's decision and said: "I think he slips."
Three wrong calls in a week?
Boyd believes this VAR decision is the latest that has resulted in a boost for Celtic's title bid and said it was "another dubious call which has gone in Celtic's favour".
He's referring to Steven McLean's decision not to award a penalty to Hearts against Motherwell on Saturday, despite being sent to the monitor by VAR, plus Celtic's Alistair Johnston avoiding a red card in the Old Firm game last Sunday.
Where does that leave the title race with one game to go?
Before that penalty was awarded, Hearts had already won against Falkirk and Celtic were set to drop two points. That would have seen leaders Hearts have a three-point advantage heading into the final day, plus a superior goal difference of six.
When the ball left the spot and hit the net, the gap was down to one point and the goal difference was down to five.
What happens next?
Quite simple. Ninety minutes. Two teams. One title.
Should Celtic win at home to Hearts, they are champions again. If Hearts win, or even draw, then it is them who will be champions.
Who are the officials for the title decider?
The Scottish FA have appointed Don Robertson to take charge of the game at Parkhead, with Kevin Clancy on VAR.
Where can we watch it?
Sky Sports Football. Live from 11.30am. Kick-off at 12.30pm. Don't miss it.
