The footballing world has been left talking over a huge Celtic penalty that directly impacts Hearts’ chances of winning the title.
A 3-0 victory for the Jambos over Falkirk would have been enough to clinch Premiership glory for the first time since 1960 if second-placed Celtic lost at Motherwell. They were drawing 2-2 at over the allotted amount of second half stoppage time when VAR official Andrew Dallas called referee John Beaton to the monitor for a look at a Sam Nicholson challenge on Auston Trusty.
It was deemed handball but several pundits and fans have been left aghast as Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up to win the game for Celtic. It now means instead of needing to avoid defeat by a three-goal margin, Hearts now have to avoid defeat entirely, changing the dynamics of Saturday’s title shootout at Parkhead between the pair. Here’s how 17 pundits reacted to the controversial incident.
The Scottish Football Social Club is presented by BetSBK.com | 18+ | Gamble Responsibly
13. Chris Sutton (X)
"Now the dust has settled.. The reaction from many high profile people is way over the top. John Beaton was advised to go to the monitor and saw that the ball hit the arm in an unnatural position Bottom line is people would hate to see Celtic win the title again and that is all." | Getty Images
14. Jeff Stelling (X)
"Seriously that is never a handball at Fir Park. The boy headed it 20 yards. The ref takes one look after VAR calls him over. Embarrassing for Scottish football. He clearly clearly heads the ball. I don’t care who you support - and I have no skin in this - he heads the ball." | talkSPORT
15. Paul Hartley (Sky)
“The power on it, it’s clearly came off his head. The view we’ve got there is quite difficult, if it was from behind we would have a better view. You can’t generate that power with your hand to put it back out for a throw in. Celtic have got a wee bit lucky there." | SNS Group
16. Stephen Elliott (X)
“That is cheating pure and simple. That cannot be a penalty. For the love of God. Game is gone!” | SNS Group 0141 221 3602