Well that was an enjoyable Saturday evening! There’s not many of us who would, in normal circumstances, be glued to our TV’s watching a Motherwell v Hearts match, but tonight was different….
I imagine most of us tuned in for the full 90 minutes as we hoped Motherwell could do us a favour and leave the outcome of this title race fully in Celtic’s hands.
The steelmen didn’t disappoint and claimed a 1-1 draw in a game that had a bit of everything, and finished with many questions being asked regarding key decisions made about potential penalties. The first one was the one Hearts were claiming.
Personally I thought it was an absolute joke that VAR called the referee pitch side to review his decision. It was not a clear and obvious mistake by the referee so I have absolutely no idea why the men in Clydesdale House asked him to review it.
❌ NO PENALTY!
There was a check for a Hearts spot-kick but play continues ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/DAT5vokvKY
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 9, 2026
Fair play to Steven McLean for not letting the pressure of VAR to overturn his original decision. It was the slightest touch and Kyziridis made an absolute meal out of it.
The next decision that was denied was the trip on Maswanise in the Hearts penalty area. Personally I thought it was the right decision. Similar to the Hearts one, there wasn’t enough in it to give a penalty.
🗣️ "Sometimes you need to take a point and see where it takes us"
🗣️ "For me, it's a clear penalty"Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland and Alexandros Kyziridis on the draw at Motherwell and the penalty claim that wasn't given ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/m9l4UKSk6S
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 9, 2026
The final one was a decision I think can certainly be questioned. That was the handball by Kent, that is definitely a decision that could easily have gone either way. Yes his arm was pulled in towards his body but he also lifted his hand towards the ball and made clear contact. Could have easily been given. Unlike the Hearts one which was discussed to death on Sky Sports post match, this one didn’t even get a mention.
Funny that.
Anyway I’m glad I continued to watch after full time as I got to see both Kris Boyd and Derek McInnes throw their toys out of the pram. McInnes was fuming in his post game interview. It’s clear to see the pressure is mounting on the perma-tanned former Rangers man who enjoys a good sing along. They are still in the driving seat, but today’s result will certainly test their mettle.
All and all, tonight was a great result for Celtic. You can’t ask for anymore than having the outcome of the league fully in your hands with three games to go. Hearts also lost two of their most important players for the remainder of the season, which while heartbreaking for those players after giving so much this season, is certainly a positive for Celtic.
Surely Celtic will have gotten a boost from tonight’s result and will smell blood. Celtic Park will be absolutely rocking tomorrow and I think that atmosphere will be enough to get us over the line.
Do I expect Celtic to put on a show? No I don’t. I have hoped for that all season but have been constantly let down. I genuinely couldn’t care less how it’s done tomorrow, but securing three points is all that matters.
It’s in your hands Celtic. Three more wins secures five in a row. The first step is putting the Rangers to the sword tomorrow, something we have struggled to do in the league in recent times.
It’s a result that is long overdue. Get it won.
Conall McGinty
🗣️ "Terrible decision, he's had a bad night Steven McLean"
🗣️ "Really bad injuries… achilles both of them"Derek McInnes spoke on Hearts' penalty claim and gave injury updates after the draw against Motherwell ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/hmawknJSDJ
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 9, 2026
👏 "Our performance in general was outstanding"
✅ "I think it was the right decision"
❌ "I don't think it was a penalty [for Maswanhise]"Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou on their draw against Hearts and second-half penalty calls ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/0lYEnKm4k0
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 9, 2026
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