Celtic title marred by wrong penalty call, review finds | OneFootball

Celtic’s title success has been questioned after the stoppage-time penalty at Motherwell that shaped the run-in was deemed incorrect.

The Scottish FA said that, after reviewing footage, the spot-kick awarded on 13 May in the 3-2 win away to Motherwell should not have been given.

Heart of Midlothian had led for much of the season and were close to a first league crown since 1960, but they conceded in the 87th minute on the final day at Celtic Park and lost 3-1. Celtic won the showdown to seal a 56th championship.

At 2-2 in the 90+8 minute, VAR indicated to referee John Beaton that it thought Motherwell winger Sam Nicholson had handled during an aerial duel with Celtic defender Auston Trusty. After roughly 20 seconds at the pitchside monitor, Beaton awarded the penalty and Kelechi Iheanacho converted.

That victory meant Celtic needed only to beat Hearts in the finale, by any margin, to take the title. Had the Motherwell match finished level, a three-goal win would have been required on the last day.

Source: L'Équipe