Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou launched a furious attack on the officials after Celtic were awarded a dramatic stoppage-time penalty, describing the VAR intervention as the worst decision he has encountered in football.
The Steelmen boss was incensed after John Beaton pointed to the spot in the 99th minute following a handball call against Sam Nicholson, a decision that ultimately handed Celtic a crucial late winner in a pulsating encounter.
Askou warned that repeated controversial decisions risk damaging the reputation of the Scottish game and claimed the standard of officiating could leave the country open to ridicule.
“I think it’s one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in my career in football, taking everything into consideration,” he said post-match via PLZ Soccer.
it is one of the worst decisions I have seen in my career in football.”
Motherwell manager, Jens Berthel Askou raging at var decision to award Celtic a last minute penalty that resulted in a 3-2 defeat for the home side. pic.twitter.com/8cJL7SAbTf
— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) May 13, 2026
“I thought I’d seen everything this season, but apparently not. I don’t know if we have a bigger issue, but if we continue making calls like this, as has happened too many times, then Scottish football risks becoming a laughing stock.”
Despite praising the progress made within the domestic game this season, the Danish coach admitted he was deeply disappointed by the late intervention.
“I don’t think this country deserves that because in many ways Scottish football has moved in the right direction this year,” he continued. “That’s why it’s such a shame.”
Askou insisted he was astonished the on-field referee had even been instructed to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, maintaining Nicholson had clearly made contact with the ball using his head rather than his hand.
“Even from a distance I was shocked he was sent to the screen,” he said. “You can clearly see he heads the ball.
“The only reason there might be any contact with his hand is because he challenges Trusty and his arm gets forced in that direction during the aerial duel.
“Even if there is the slightest touch, it’s never a penalty because his arm movement is caused by the contact. No matter how you look at it, it was the wrong decision. I honestly thought common sense would prevail.”
The Motherwell boss also expressed sympathy for his players after what he believed was a performance worthy of taking something from the game.
“It was a brilliant match to be part of,” he added. “There was a fantastic atmosphere, two good sides, and both teams gave absolutely everything.
“I felt we fully deserved the result we had until that unbelievable decision right at the end.”
Conor Spence
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