Gary Lineker has condemned what he described as 'the worst VAR decision' he has ever witnessed during Celtic's dramatic 3-2 victory over Motherwell on Wednesday evening. The Scottish Premiership title race remains poised on a knife-edge, with just one point separating leaders Hearts and Celtic ahead of the final matchday.
Title Race Hots Up
With 37 games played, Hearts sit top of the table on 80 points, while Celtic trail closely on 79. The two sides are set to meet at Celtic Park on Saturday in a winner-takes-all showdown for the 2025/26 league championship.
Celtic kept their hopes alive thanks to a hard-fought win at Fir Park. Elliot Watt opened the scoring for Motherwell after 17 minutes, but Daizen Maeda equalised just before half-time. Benjamin Nygren put Celtic ahead 13 minutes into the second half, and it seemed they would secure a 2-1 victory to maintain pressure on Hearts.
However, Liam Gordon equalised for Motherwell with five minutes remaining, threatening to shatter Celtic's title dreams. Deep into stoppage time, with the clock showing 93 minutes, a contentious penalty decision changed the narrative.
The Controversial Incident
Sam Nicholson leapt to clear a looping throw-in inside his own area, with his arm raised. It was unclear whether the ball struck his hand or his forehead. Referee John Beaton was called to the monitor by VAR Andrew Dallas and ultimately awarded a spot-kick to Celtic. Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up to convert, ensuring the title race would go to the final day.
Gary Lineker took to X to express his disbelief: 'This might be the worst VAR decision I've seen (and there's a lot of competition). Extraordinary given the significance.'
Hearts Manager Furious
Hearts manager Derek McInnes did not hold back in his criticism. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: 'When you heard Celtic had a 96th-minute penalty going to VAR, you just assume they get it. It's disgusting. We're up against it, we're up against everybody. I don't think it's a penalty. It's so poor and it looks as though they have been given it. They have been very fortunate.'
Motherwell manager Jen Berthel Askou was equally baffled. 'The big question is what are we even doing here. I'm in total shock. I thought I had seen it all this year, but apparently I haven't. It's shocking and it's a shame for the game. Seeing the footage, I can't see any way that can be a penalty. I can't see it touch his hand and, even if it has, it's because his arm has been pushed into it. It's a crazy thing to be part of and the game deserved better than that.'
Celtic Boss Defends Decision
On the other hand, Celtic manager Martin O'Neill had little doubt. 'I have seen it back very, very briefly... it's a handball. It looks as if it's also an elbow to the side of the head as well. VAR have asked the referee to come over and he had no hesitation in giving the penalty.'
The outcome sets up a thrilling final day at Celtic Park, where the winner will claim the Scottish Premiership title. All eyes will be on Saturday's clash as the season reaches its climax.
