Hearts boss rages over 'disgusting' Celtic penalty decision as final-day title decider looms | OneFootball

Derek McInnes furious after rivals awarded last-gasp spot-kick for handball and squeeze past Motherwell

Hearts boss Derek McInnes said “it feels like us against everybody” as he expressed dismay and disgust at the late penalty award for Celtic against Motherwell which left the William Hill Premiership title race firmly in the balance ahead of Saturday’s decider at Celtic Park.

The Jambos looked on course to go three points clear with a superior goal difference after closing out a 3-0 home win over Falkirk through goals from Frankie Kent, Cammy Devlin and Blair Spittal.

With the Hoops drawing 2-2 at Fir Park, that scenario would have left Martin O’Neill’s side requiring a three-goal win on the final day in order to overhaul McInnes’ team.

But there was a sense of mild deflation around Tynecastle at full-time as news filtered through that Celtic had eked out a 3-2 victory after being awarded a dubious penalty deep into stoppage time, meaning any victory on Saturday will be enough to take the champions above the long-time leaders.

“I shouldn’t be commenting on another game, but having seen that, it feels like us against everybody,” said McInnes, who was aggrieved that his side were not awarded a penalty in their 1-1 draw at Motherwell on Saturday.

“When you see the two that we didn’t get at the weekend and then you see that, how they can arrive at that situation… Celtic have had more than a touch of fortune getting that penalty.

“I’m getting more and more dismayed at some of the decisions that our referees are coming up with. It’s such a bad decision.

Title pressure: Derek McInnes and Hearts need to avoid defeat at Celtic on the final day to be crowned champions

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“Motherwell must feel totally aggrieved about it. I don’t see… I had to keep looking at it. I thought I was missing something when I was watching it. I had to ask, ‘what am I looking for here?’ So, it’s actually quite disgusting, to be honest. It feels like us against everybody.”

McInnes is confident his team can go into “the lion’s den” on Saturday and emerge with the result they require to win their first title since 1960.

“You’re going into 60,000, the place will be rocking. For us, that type of game, that type of stage, we deserve that and we’ll look forward to it. We’re not going to shy away from it. We’ve got a good record against Celtic.

“Martin’s done a brilliant job in getting Celtic where they are. It’s not winner takes all because we can get a point but players are tuned to win, managers are tuned to win, you don’t go for 90-odd minutes and just play for a draw.

“The only thing I can think about is when you go away from home in Europe sometimes and you make sure you’re nice and solid and you don’t need to go and win a game early on, but you can be nice and compact.

“We know a point will do us. And I think at some point in the game, if that is the case, with 10, 15 minutes to go, then that might play a part, but certainly not from the start.”

Falkirk were missing several key players and the defeat ensured they finish the campaign sixth.

“It felt like one game too many for us,” said manager John McGlynn. “The guys are getting a little bit tired now.”