Hearts coach McInnes furious over 99th-minute Celtic penalty in 2026 Premiership

A controversial 99th-minute penalty handed Celtic a dramatic win, keeping the Scottish Premiership title race alive until the final day.

Late penalty sparks fury Hearts head coach Derek McInnes expressed outrage after a disputed penalty in the 99th minute allowed Celtic to snatch a 3-2 victory at Motherwell, forcing the Scottish Premiership title race to a final-day showdown on Saturday. The late drama unfolded following a VAR review, with referee John Beaton consulting the pitchside monitor after Sam Nicholson appeared to challenge Auston Trusty for a high ball. Despite replays suggesting the ball struck Nicholson’s head, Beaton awarded the penalty, which Kelechi Iheanacho converted to turn a 2-2 draw into a win. ## Title race hangs in balance With Hearts leading the Premiership and on course for a 3-0 win over Falkirk, the late concession at Motherwell initially left Celtic three points adrift ahead of their final match. However, the 99th-minute penalty shifted the narrative, keeping Celtic’s championship hopes alive just days before the season finale. Had Celtic failed to score, Hearts could have survived a two-goal loss at Celtic Park on Saturday and still claimed their first title since 1960. Now, Hearts must avoid defeat against Celtic to become the first non-Celtic or Rangers side to win the top flight in over 40 years. ## McInnes vents frustrations McInnes delivered a fiery reaction to the decision, telling broadcasters that the penalty call was "disgusting" and indicative of Hearts facing unfair challenges. "When you heard Celtic had a 96th-minute penalty going to VAR, you just assume they get it," he said. "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 [Celtic] have been given it. They have been very fortunate." The Hearts boss also acknowledged the uphill task ahead but remained defiant, insisting his team would embrace the high-stakes finale. ## Final-day drama awaits McInnes framed the upcoming clash with Celtic as an opportunity rather than a setback, emphasizing the determination within his squad. "It’s going to the last game. We’re delighted to be part of it," he stated. "To do it, we’re going to have to go and get a positive result. I’m looking forward to it already; there’ll be no feeling sorry for ourselves. What a game it’s going to be." Former England striker Gary Lineker also weighed in on social media, calling the decision "might be the worst VAR decision I’ve seen.. extraordinary given the significance." ## Key moments from the match Hearts dominated early proceedings with a 3-0 lead over Falkirk, while Celtic’s late equalizer at Motherwell briefly looked like it would hand Hearts the title on a plate. The controversial VAR intervention occurred deep into stoppage time, with replays sparking debate over whether Nicholson’s raised hand made contact with the ball. The awarding of the penalty and its conversion by Iheanacho ensured Celtic’s survival in the title race, setting the stage for a climactic finale.