"Hearts had already seen off Falkirk and fans at Tynecastle were eagerly awaiting news of the full-time whistle at Fir Park. However, video assistant referee (VAR) Andrew Dallas called referee John Beaton to the pitchside monitor after Motherwell's Sam Nicholson challenged Kelechi Iheanacho for a high ball inside the area. The ball appeared to hit Nicholson on the head but Beaton awarded a spot-kick that was duly converted by an ice-cool Iheanacho."
"Had the penalty not been awarded, Hearts would have headed to Glasgow three points clear and having to avoid a three-goal defeat to become the first team outside the Old Firm to win the Scottish title since 1985 when Aberdeen clinched it under Sir Alex Ferguson. Now they have to avoid defeat of any kind. McInnes labelled the penalty award a "disgrace" in midweek and his stance had not really changed this morning."
""[Over] the last couple of games we'll feel a real grievance. I think questions do need to be asked, but I don't think today is the day for it. I think we accept it through the course of this season." "We can all be fortuitous. We've been fortuitous this season. We can all suffer as managers and teams when you feel a bit of grievance, but I do feel that questions need to be asked.""
"The controversy has overshadowed what has been a fantastic Premiership season which, McInnes feels, is a shame. He added: "I think it's disappointing that there's been such a spotlight on the game. I think that for us to have so much talk and chat about refereeing decisions is a"
Hearts enter a lunchtime match against Celtic still feeling aggrieved after midweek events that reduced their chances of winning the Scottish Premiership title. Hearts lead the table by one point, but a last-gasp penalty helped Celtic secure a 3-2 win at Motherwell. Hearts had beaten Falkirk and were waiting for the final whistle at Fir Park when VAR Andrew Dallas asked referee John Beaton to review a challenge by Sam Nicholson on Kelechi Iheanacho inside the area. The ball appeared to hit Nicholson’s head, yet Beaton awarded a spot-kick, which Iheanacho converted. Without the penalty, Hearts would have gone to Glasgow three points clear and avoided needing to prevent a three-goal defeat. McInnes called the decision a disgrace and said questions need to be asked while accepting it through the season.
#scottish-premiership #hearts-vs-celtic #var-and-refereeing-controversy #title-race #kelechi-iheanacho-penalty
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