Scotland: Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has strongly criticised a controversial late penalty awarded to Celtic in the 99th minute, calling the decision “disgusting” and accusing officials of bias, as the Scottish Premiership title race heads into a final-day showdown on May 16, 2026.
The incident occurred during a dramatic round of fixtures in which Hearts strengthened their position at the top of the table with a 3–0 win over Falkirk on May 13, 2026. Meanwhile, Celtic dropped points at Motherwell after conceding a late equaliser, leaving them three points behind Hearts ahead of the final matchday.
Under the standings at that stage, Celtic would have needed to beat Hearts by three or more goals in their final meeting in Glasgow to overcome the goal difference and secure the title.
However, the title scenario shifted after a late VAR intervention in the Motherwell match. Referee John Beaton, following consultation with VAR official Andrew Dallas, awarded a penalty after initially reviewing an alleged handball by Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson.
Replays reportedly showed the ball striking Nicholson’s head rather than his raised arm, but the on-field decision was upheld after review, and Celtic were awarded a penalty in stoppage time. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the spot-kick, securing a 3–0 victory for Celtic.
The decision immediately sparked controversy and intensified the title race heading into the final round, with Hearts still in a position to potentially secure their first league title in 66 years.
Speaking to Sky Sports, McInnes expressed anger over the incident, stating: “When you heard Celtic had a 96th-minute penalty going to VAR, you just assume they get it. It’s disgusting. We’re up against it, we’re up against everybody. I don’t think it’s a penalty. It’s so poor and it looks as though they’ve been given it. They have been very fortunate.”
The controversy centres on the interpretation of the handball rule, which states that a player may be penalised if the arm is positioned above shoulder height and deemed to make an unnatural or risky movement. However, in this case, Hearts and McInnes argue that the ball made contact with the player’s head, not the arm.
The decision has intensified scrutiny on VAR usage in the Scottish Premiership, with the title race now set to be decided on the final day of the season in a high-stakes match between Celtic and Hearts in Glasgow.