Gary Lineker tags Celtic penalty vs Motherwell 'worst I've ever seen' as 'disgrace' slammed amid Hearts impact

A penalty for Celtic in their late win against Motherwell has been put in the ‘worst ever’ category by Gary Lineker. - as a huge VAR decision comes with massive title implications for Hearts.

The Jambos needed a home win at Fir Park and their own victory over Falkirk to seal Premiership glory. Hearts won 3-0 against the Bairns and the Hoops looked set to drop a couple of points in Lanarkshire, that would have meant they’d have to win by three goals to claim silverware on Saturday against Derek McInnes’ men at Parkhead. It was locked at 2-2 when referee John Beaton was called to the monitor by VAR.

Former Hearts playmaker Sam Nicholson was judged to have handled the ball inside the box as he jumped for a header. Beaton watched the replays and pointed to the spot, with Kelechi Iheanacho slotting home and the referee then blew his full-time whistle, meaning Celtic remain a point off Hearts in first. It has caused a major stir and England hero Lineker is stunned. He said on X: “This might be the worst VAR decision I’ve seen (and there’s a lot of competition). Extraordinary given the significance."

Should Celtic have had a penalty vs Motherwell?

Former Celtic defender Darren O’Dea wasn’t sure on the call by VAR official Andrew Dallas. He said on Sportsound: “Looking at the footage we've just watched, it's made huge contact with Sam Nicholson's head because of the trajectory the ball takes. I don't know how you can conclusively say that is handball.”

Hearts hero Ryan Stevenson was incensed by the decision and could not believe Beaton opted to point to the spot. He said: “I's a disgrace. VAR took six minutes in the recent West Ham v Arsenal game because everyone understood how big a decision it was. John Beaton was at the monitor for what, 20 seconds?

Hoops hero Pat Bonner added that ‘the defender jumps with his left arm up and his fist is right on his head as the ball lands.’ It’s a possibly season-altering call as Hearts now need to avoid defeat against Celtic, rather than avoiding defeat by a three-goal margin, in front of a packed Celtic Park.

Hearts did their job as Frankie Kent, Cammy Devlin and Blair Spittal goals sealed victory in their last game at Tynecastle this term. Motherwell were ahead through Elliot Watt before being pegged back by Daizen Maeda and Benjamin Nygren goals. Liam Gordon thought he had a leveller late on before the controversial call late on by Dallas and Beaton. It sets the scene for an unprecedented end to the title race while Motherwell’s were wounded by Hibs’ late winner at Rangers. It means their hold on fourth and the final Conference League qualifier spot is now just a point ahead of going to Easter Road on Sunday.

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