Motherwell enraged by 'worst VAR decision in history' affecting Hearts as boss gobsmacked by Celtic penalty

Motherwell have been left fuming over the VAR decision given against them versus Celtic - amid a huge impact on Hearts’ title race.

The Steelmen impressed against the defending champions but lost 3-2 thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s last-gasp penalty. That was awarded following a VAR review, where Sam Nicholson was judged to have handled the ball after a challenge against Celtic’s Auston Trusty, referee John Beaton pointing to the spot. Controversy occurred at Fir Park days earlier when Hearts drew 1-1 with Motherwell after Alexandros Kyziridis was denied a penalty following a second look, amid a tackle by Tawanda Maswanhise.

Questions have also been raised over a possible handball in the claret and amber box by defender Emmanuel Longelo. Midfielder Elliot Watt, in a post shared by the Lanarkshire side, stated: “The worst VAR decision in history. But a top team performance that deserved more. We pick ourselves up ahead of a big game Saturday. Thanks for your support at home this season.”

What have Motherwell said about penalty kick vs Celtic?

Boss Jens Berthel Askou meanwhile has been left gutted by the call he couldn’t believe was given. Askou said: “I think it’s one of the worst decisions I’ve seen in my career taking everything into consideration.

“It was a fantastic game to be a part of. What a night, with a great crowd, two good teams trying to give their best and all they could to get the game in their hands. I think we more than deserved the result until the unreal incident happened. We went for it knowing that because of the result at Ibrox was in our favour very late.

“It was about finding the right balance and I thought we found that and didn’t really give anything away. Got the equaliser deservedly. Another memorable performance together with our fans and we should be here with a point. It wouldn’t have made a huge difference regarding the job on Saturday (avoid defeat vs Hibs to finish fourth) but it would have given us a very different emotional state.”

What did Martin O’Neill say about Celtic penalty?

“I didn’t speak to the referee, no. I thought I’d seen it all this season but I hadn’t. If we keep making calls like we have done too many times we will end up being ridiculed as football country. I don’t think we deserve that because in so many ways this country is taking steps in the right direction. It’s a shame.

“Even watching it from the distance when it happened I was shocked he even got called to the monitor because he connected with his head. You could find a picture where it hits his finger, it’s because he connects with Auston Trusty and his arm gets pushed in the direction where he’s heading the ball. No matter what, it’s just a bad call.”

Celtic boss Martin O’Neill added: “The lads have a little monitor, beside me. It’s very small. I can’t really see it. I need another pair of glasses to see it. The lads thought it was a handball, an elbow as well too. I felt we had a penalty in the first half but VAR cleared that one. We have to win the game. Hearts don’t but at least we’ve taken it there. It’ll be a big day.”

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