Seven pundits deliver clear verdict on Motherwell vs Celtic as VAR row blows up | Football | Sport

A VAR controversy has erupted in Scottish football following a disputed last-minute decision that kept Celtic’s Premiership title aspirations alive. Martin O’Neill’s team appeared destined to require a three-goal victory over leaders Hearts, who had dispatched Falkirk 3-0 in their penultimate fixture, in Saturday’s title decider, as they were being held 2-2 at Motherwell.

Yet, deep into stoppage time, VAR official Andrew Dallas summoned referee John Beaton to the pitchside monitor following Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson’s challenge for a high ball. Replays seemed to indicate the ball striking Nicholson’s head, rather than his raised hand, but Beaton awarded a spot-kick, which Kelechi Iheanacho converted to secure a 3-2 victory. Consequently, instead of requiring a three-goal win against the Jambos, any winning margin will suffice for Celtic to claim a 56th domestic league crown. The ruling has sparked fury, with Hearts manager Derek McInnes branding it “disgusting.”