Kelechi Iheanacho’s controversial 99th-minute penalty earned Celtic a dramatic 3-2 victory over Motherwell on Wednesday, keeping the Scottish Premiership title race alive and setting up a decisive final-day showdown with Hearts.
Hearts remain on the brink of a historic first league title since 1960 and would become the first club outside Glasgow’s Old Firm to win the championship in 41 years.
However, Celtic stayed firmly in contention for a 14th title in 15 seasons after Iheanacho’s late spot-kick preserved a one-point gap at the top heading into the final round of fixtures.
The award of the penalty sparked furious reactions, with Hearts manager Derek McInnes branding the decision “disgusting” and accusing the authorities of working against his side’s bid to break the Old Firm dominance.
Celtic would have needed to beat Hearts by three goals on the final day had they failed to find a winner at Fir Park.
Replays appeared inconclusive over whether the ball struck Motherwell defender Sam Nicholson’s hand after he headed clear deep into stoppage time, but following a VAR review referee John Beaton pointed to the spot.
“Having seen it again, it’s disgusting,” McInnes told Sky Sports.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. We’re up against it, we’re up against everybody, and we’ll be ready for Saturday.”
McInnes also referenced Hearts’ frustration over not being awarded a penalty during Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Motherwell.
“It’s perfect drama for Scottish football that it’s going to the final game,” he added.
“We’re delighted to be part of it, but now we need to make sure we go and win the title.”
Title race goes to the wire
At a raucous Tynecastle, Hearts appeared on course for a potentially title-winning night after racing into a commanding lead.
Following a tense opening, the hosts struck twice in five minutes to ignite celebrations in Edinburgh.
Centre-back Frankie Kent powered home a header before Cammy Devlin’s deflected effort doubled Hearts’ advantage.
Blair Spittal later added a third, but the real drama unfolded at Fir Park, where Celtic found themselves under intense pressure.
Despite arriving in strong form with seven straight league wins, Celtic struggled early on and deservedly fell behind when Elliot Watt found the net for Motherwell.
Daizen Maeda continued his prolific run by smashing home his seventh goal in five matches to level before half-time.
Benjamin Nygren then produced a superb strike to put Celtic ahead, only for Motherwell to respond late on as Liam Gordon bundled home following a goalmouth scramble.
With the title race hanging in the balance, VAR intervened in stoppage time after spotting Nicholson’s raised arm inside the area.
Former Manchester City forward Iheanacho kept his composure to convert from the spot and send the title battle into a thrilling final day.
“Sometimes you need things to go your way if you’re going to win titles,” said Celtic captain Callum McGregor.
“Considering how far we’ve come since late December to still be in this position, with it now in our own hands, we deserve to take it to the last day.”
Elsewhere, third-placed Rangers suffered a fourth consecutive league defeat for the first time since 1983 after losing 2-1 at home to Hibernian.
AFP
