Celtic Capitalise on VAR Decision to Overcome Motherwell in Dramatic Clash
In a pivotal Scottish Premiership encounter, Celtic staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 3-1 victory over Motherwell, a result significantly influenced by a contentious video assistant referee intervention. The win allowed Celtic to close the gap on league leaders Hearts, who stumbled to a 1-0 defeat against Kilmarnock, reducing their advantage to just two points at the top of the table.
VAR Drama Unfolds as Longelo Sees Red
The match turned on a critical moment in the second half when Motherwell defender Emmanuel Longelo was shown a red card for a foul on Celtic's Daizen Maeda inside the penalty area. Initially, referee John Beaton awarded a goal-kick, but after a lengthy review prompted by VAR official Kevin Clancy, the decision was overturned to award a penalty and dismiss Longelo.
Tomas Cvancara stepped up to convert the spot-kick in the 72nd minute, marking his second crucial penalty in as many games following his Scottish Cup shootout heroics at Ibrox. This goal proved decisive in shifting momentum firmly in Celtic's favour.
Motherwell Manager Voices Discontent Over Officiating
Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou expressed frustration post-match, particularly questioning why Celtic midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was not sent off for a challenge on New Zealand international Elijah Just. "I don't see anything vicious in the tackle," Askou stated. "It's just a little bit clumsy, but it's still a tackle that almost wipes out Eli's opportunity of going to the World Cup. He's very, very sore. He looks swollen down the leg."
The first half had seen both teams exchange goals, with Elijah Just putting Motherwell ahead before Yang Hyun-jun quickly equalised for Celtic. Yang later completed the scoring, capitalising on Motherwell's defensive risks after the red card.
Celtic Boss Praises Yang's All-Round Performance
Celtic manager Martin O'Neill hailed Yang Hyun-jun's contribution, emphasising his work rate and impact. "He was sensational. He scored the goals, but it was the work he did going backwards too. I wouldn't know what sort of distances he covered, but it would have been immense," O'Neill remarked, highlighting the winger's dual role in attack and defence.
Hearts Falter as Kilmarnock Secures Vital Win
Meanwhile, at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock edged out Hearts 1-0 thanks to a first-half goal from Michael Schjonning-Larsen. The striker netted his first goal for the club in the 17th minute, capitalising on a cross from Greg Kiltie to score from close range. Despite Hearts increasing their intensity and creating chances through Blair Spittal and Tomas Magnusson, Kilmarnock's defence held firm to secure three points.
This result moves Kilmarnock nine points clear of bottom side Livingston and level with St Mirren in 10th place, while Hearts' lead at the summit is now under serious threat.
Other Premiership Action Sees Mixed Fortunes
In other fixtures, Hibernian were left frustrated after a goalless draw with Livingston, hitting the woodwork twice and seeing a late penalty decision overturned by VAR. Hibs manager David Gray described it as "an opportunity missed," noting his team's dominance in possession and chances.
Livingston's Marvin Bartley criticised the officiating, stating, "The problem for me is that one, it's given so quickly after clearly he wins the ball, and the other thing is if you're not in the top flight and you don't have VAR, that's going down as a penalty kick right at the end of the game." Livingston remain without a league win since August.
Elsewhere, Aberdeen's new head coach Stephen Robinson was denied a winning start as Falkirk scored a late equaliser through Barney Stewart to secure a 1-1 draw. Kevin Nisbet had put Aberdeen ahead in the 73rd minute, but Stewart's header in the dying moments shared the points.
Looking ahead, Rangers, now four points behind Celtic, face St Mirren in a noon kick-off on Sunday, followed by the Dundee derby at Dens Park, setting the stage for further drama in the title race.
