Celtic and Motherwell penalty controversy explained with Hearts left furious
The controversial penalty that handed Celtic a dramatic victory over Motherwell has sparked fierce debate, with Hearts left furious after the Scottish Premiership title race was turned on its head.With Hearts cruising to a 3-0 win over Falkirk, Derek McInnes and his players appeared to be in pole position to end the club's 66-year wait for a league title.At one stage, Celtic were heading for dropped points against Motherwell.That would have left Hearts knowing they could afford to lose by two goals at Celtic Park on Saturday and still be crowned champions.Instead, a highly contentious VAR intervention in the 99th minute changed everything.The incident centred on Sam Nicholson as he challenged for a high ball with Celtic defender Auston Trusty.Video assistant referee Andrew Dallas advised referee John Beaton to review a potential handball.After studying the replays for around 20 seconds, Beaton pointed to the spot.The controversial penalty that handed Celtic a dramatic victory over Motherwell has sparked fierce debate, with Hearts left furious after the Scottish Premiership title race was turned on its head | GETTYKelechi Iheanacho converted the penalty to seal a 3-2 win and ensure the title race will go down to the final day.But the decision, without a doubt, is a controversial one.Under the handball law, officials are far more likely to penalise a player when the arm is raised above shoulder height.The reasoning is that players are considered to be taking a significant risk if their arm is in that position.The incident centred on Sam Nicholson as he challenged for a high ball with Celtic defender Auston Trusty | GETTYMotherwell star Sam Nicholson protested his innocence after being punished against Celtic | GETTYThat appears to be the basis for the decision against Nicholson, whose arm was elevated as he contested the aerial ball.Some observers have argued his arm was raised only because he was involved in a physical duel with Trusty, but that factor is unlikely to carry much weight when interpreting the law.The central issue, however, is whether the ball struck Nicholson's arm at all.Many replays appeared to suggest the ball hit his head, with the trajectory of the ball back out of play for a throw-in reinforcing that view.If there was uncertainty, critics argue it is difficult to understand how the incident could have been judged a "clear and obvious error" — the threshold required for VAR to intervene.Even if the ball did brush Nicholson's arm, many believe the contact had little or no impact on the direction of the ball, which seemed to be determined almost entirely by the force of the header.That is why the decision has generated such a furious reaction.Former Gary Lineker described it as "might be the worst VAR decision I've seen".Celtic remain in the mix for Scottish Premiership title glory following their win over Motherwell | GETTYMcInnes, however, was even more scathing."It's disgusting," he said."We're up against it, we're up against everybody."Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou admitted he was "in total shock", while Celtic boss Martin O'Neill insisted it was a handball.Whatever the interpretation, the decision has left a sour taste.And with the title now hanging on Saturday's showdown at Celtic Park, Hearts will feel that one controversial moment may yet define the entire season.
