Celtic penalty decision was 'disgusting' says Hearts boss as title race goes to the wire

“We got a penalty, which looks as if it’s pretty clear-cut," said Martin O'Neill.

Referee John Beaton speaks to Kelechi Iheanacho before going to the VAR monitor and awarding a penalty to Celtic. Pic: Robert Perry/PA Wire.

Hearts manager Derek McInnes believes the decision to award Celtic a penalty deep into injury time, which has had massive ramifications on the Scottish Premier League title race, was “disgusting”.

The Edinburgh club were comfortable winners against Falkirk and shortly after full time at Tynecastle, news filtered through that Celtic had been given the chance to beat Motherwell with the last kick of the game from the spot.

After a short VAR check for a handball from former Hearts midfielder Sam Nicholson, Kelechi Iheanacho coolly converted to snatch the three points for the Hoops.

That goal now means that rather than just avoid a 3-0 loss to claim their first title in 66-years when they travel Parkhead on Saturday, Hearts will now need to avoid defeat against Martin O’Neill’s buoyant side, who are sure to be backed by a passionate crowd.

“Having seen it again I think it’s disgusting. It is. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. But we’re up for anything, and we’ll be up again on Saturday. I think it’s so poor that they’ve been given that penalty. I think they’ve been very fortunate. Very fortunate,” said McInnes when speaking to Sky before turning his attention to that title decider.

“It’s difficult, because nobody plays football to draw a game. It’s a difficult mindset, when players are tuned to win games, to just play for a point. So, I think we’ve got to try to be positive.

“Celtic are in good form. Martin has done so well to get them into this position. And it’s perfect in terms of drama for you guys. We’re just delighted we’re part of it. Now we need to make sure we win the title now.”

Former Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill was soon given the opportunity to have his say on the decision.

“Very difficult to sum it up. Whatever we lack, and we lack certain things, heart is not part of it,” began O’Neill.

“They kept going to the very end. It was a brilliant effort, really brilliant. Of course, when the time was running out, Motherwell had got the equalising goal and there’s a calm about them, we’re desperate to get a goal at the other end.

“We got a penalty, which looks as if it’s pretty clear-cut. I’m delighted for the team, delighted for the supporters.

“We knew this was a really difficult game for us. Motherwell are a really fine footballing side. There were moments in the first half where they kept us out of the game. We got 2-1 in front, and it was a long time to try to see things through.

“Do you know what I’m delighted to, at least we’ve got a chance. We’ve taken it into the final game of the season, and that looked an impossibility five or six weeks ago.”