NafisaAn angry Derek McInnes has blasted the decision to hand Celtic a penalty in their dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell as “disgusting” with his Hearts side now requiring a result against the Parkhead club on the final day of the campaign to secure the league title.
The Jambos took care of business themselves with an impressive 3-0 victory over Falkirk at Tynecastle, as Frankie Kent, Cammy Devlin and Blair Spittal all found the net.
Supporters inside the stadium were also closely following developments at Fir Park, where the match stood at 2-2 deep into stoppage time after goals from Elliot Watt, Daizen Maeda, Benjamin Nygren and Liam Gordon.
However, late into added time, referee John Beaton eventually awarded a penalty after VAR informed him that Motherwell winger Sam Nicholson had allegedly handled the ball inside the box while challenging Auston Trusty for a header.
Hearts remain just one point ahead of Martin O’Neill’s side heading into a massive title showdown at Celtic Park on Sunday, where the Edinburgh club must avoid defeat to become the first team outside the Old Firm to win the championship since 1985.
The former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock manager did not hold back after reviewing the controversial incident.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “When we heard Celtic got a 96th minute penalty that was going to VAR, you just assume they’d get the penalty.
“But having seen it again, it’s disgusting. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. We are up against everybody and we will be ready for Saturday.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty kick, there were two more (better) shouts for a penalty kick in our game with Motherwell.
“If I am Motherwell I am disappointed with that having seen it again. I think it’s so poor that they have been given that penalty.
“They (Celtic) have been very fortunate and we have to realise we are up against everything. We need to go and deal with the game on Saturday.”
Nafisa
