‘Worst VAR decision ever’: Hearts rage at ‘disgusting’ Celtic penalty call which keeps title race alive

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‘Worst VAR decision ever’: Hearts rage at ‘disgusting’ Celtic penalty call which keeps title race alive

‘Worst VAR decision ever’: Hearts rage at ‘disgusting’ Celtic penalty call which keeps title race alive

Celtic scored a last-minute winner at Motherwell after a controversial late VAR call, which means their final day clash against title rivals Hearts is a historic winner-takes-all showdown on Saturday

‘Worst VAR decision ever’: Hearts rage at ‘disgusting’ Celtic penalty call which keeps title race alive

Celtic scored a last-minute winner at Motherwell after a controversial late VAR call, which means their final day clash against title rivals Hearts is a historic winner-takes-all showdown on Saturday

In a night of high drama that has set up a historic Scottish Premiership finale, Hearts manager Derek McInnes has slammed a "disgusting" late penalty awarded to Celtic—a decision that has kept the title race alive and turned Saturday's showdown into a winner-takes-all clash.

With just minutes left in Wednesday's matches, everything was falling perfectly for Hearts. They had already secured a commanding 3-0 victory over Falkirk, putting them on the brink of their first league title in 66 years. Meanwhile, Celtic were locked in a tense 2-2 draw away at Motherwell. If the results had held, Celtic would have needed to win by six goals or more in Saturday's final day showdown just to snatch the trophy away.

But then came the moment that has sparked fury across Scottish football. In the dying seconds at Fir Park, Motherwell midfielder Sam Nicholson was penalized for handball following a challenge from a long throw-in. The problem? Replays suggest the ball clearly struck Nicholson's head, not his hand, as he attempted to clear it. VAR reviewed the incident and upheld the penalty call, allowing Kelechi Iheanacho to step up and convert the spot-kick in stoppage time.

The decision has been widely condemned, with former England striker Gary Lineker calling it "the worst VAR decision I've ever seen—and there's a lot of competition." Former Rangers striker Kris Boyd echoed the sentiment, telling Sky Sports: "It clearly hits his head. If it hits your hand, it just drops down at you."

Speaking after the match, a visibly frustrated McInnes didn't hold back. "Having seen it again, it's disgusting," he said. "I don't think it's a penalty. But we're up against it, we're up against everybody. We'll be ready for Saturday."

The controversy means Saturday's clash at Celtic Park is now a winner-takes-all affair. Hearts hold a one-point lead, meaning a draw would be enough to secure the title. For Celtic, only a victory will do. With tempers already running high and the stakes at their absolute peak, this promises to be one of the most dramatic final days in Scottish football history. Whether you're preparing to celebrate or commiserate, make sure you're kitted out in your team's colors for what could be a historic Saturday.

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