Motherwell have failed in their attempt to reduce a fine imposed by the SFA following their reaction to Celtic’s dramatic victory at Fir Park last season. The Fir Park club were punished with an £5k fine over comments made after the Hoops secured a remarkable 3-2 win in May, as Kelechi Iheanacho converted a stoppage-time penalty to set up a final day showdown against Hearts.
Referee John Beaton initially allowed play to continue after Auston Trusty went down inside the area before VAR Andrew Dallas intervened, sending his colleague to the pitchside monitor. Initially, it looked like they were looking at whether Sam Nicholson had elbowed Trusty but replays showed that the ex-Hearts midfielder had his arm up. Beaton pointed to the spot and Celtic scored with the last kick of the ball.
Motherwell subsequently issued a strongly-worded statement questioning the decision-making process and were charged under Scottish FA rules concerning public criticism of match officials. Beaton’s family home required Police surveillance after his address was leaked with a number of threats made online due to the sensationalism attached to the decision.
The SFA have dismissed Motherwell’s attempt to have the £5,000 sanction reduced and one might think that they were fortunate to land a fairly lenient fine given that it added fuel to the fire at the time.
Former Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt did, however, enjoy greater success with a separate appeal. His four-match suspension has been reduced to two games, with the remaining two matches suspended.
It is fair to say that Celtic benefited from the technology but it was as clear as day that the ball hit Nicholson’s hand. The narrative that the decision was given to assist Celtic to win the league was fanciful as most neutral fans rooted for Hearts to win the title.
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