Derek McInnes brands Celtic penalty decision as ‘disgusting’ after VAR drama

Derek McInnes launched a scathing criticism of the controversial late penalty awarded to Celtic in their dramatic victory over Motherwell, branding the decision “disgusting” as the title race heads for a final-day showdown at Celtic Park.

The Jambos boosted their championship hopes with an impressive 3-0 win over Falkirk at Tynecastle, courtesy of goals from Frankie Kent, Cammy Devlin and Blair Spittal.

Supporters inside the stadium were also closely following developments at Fir Park, where Motherwell and Celtic appeared destined to share the points after a thrilling contest saw Eliot Watt, Daizen Maeda, Benjamin Nygren and Liam Gordon all find the net.

However, deep into stoppage time, referee John Beaton awarded Celtic a penalty following a VAR review which judged Sam Nicholson to have handled the ball while challenging Auston Trusty inside the area.

The resulting spot-kick secured a dramatic 3-2 win for Martin O’Neill’s side and kept the title race alive heading into the final fixture of the campaign.

Hearts still sit one point clear at the top of the table ahead of Sunday’s decisive clash at Celtic Park, where avoiding defeat would see the Edinburgh club become the first side outside Celtic and the Ibrox club to lift the league title since 1985.

However, McInnes was furious after reviewing the footage and claimed the decision was another example of his side having to battle against the odds.

“When we heard Celtic had a penalty in the 96th minute and VAR was involved, you almost expected it would be given,” he told Sky Sports.

🗣️ “I think it’s disgusting. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick.”
🏆 “What a game it is going to be.”

Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes Celtic were “very fortunate” to be awarded a late penalty, which has set up a final-day title decider, live on Sky Sports ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/9fqxgGCpgg

— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 13, 2026

“But after seeing it back, it’s disgusting. I don’t believe it’s a penalty at all. We’re up against everything and we’ll be prepared for that on Saturday.”

The former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock boss insisted there had been far stronger penalty claims in Hearts’ own encounters with Motherwell last Saturday and sympathised with the Fir Park side over the outcome.

“I genuinely don’t think it’s a penalty kick,” he continued. “There were at least two better claims in our matches against Motherwell.

“If I was in their position I’d be hugely disappointed after looking at it again. I think it’s an extremely poor decision to award that penalty.

“Celtic have been very fortunate, but we understand the challenge in front of us now. We just have to focus on going there on Saturday and dealing with the occasion.”

Conor Spence

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