HeadlinesBriefing favicon HeadlinesBriefing.com

Celtic force title decider after Iheanacho's dramatic 100th-minute penalty

Sky Sports Champions League •
×

Kelechi Iheanacho's 100th-minute penalty secured a dramatic 3-2 victory for Celtic at Motherwell, sending the Scottish Premiership title race to Saturday's final-day showdown with Hearts. The late spot-kick, awarded after VAR intervention for handball against Sam Nicholson, sparked wild celebrations among Celtic's traveling supporters who invaded the pitch.

Hearts appeared set to claim their first championship in 66 years after defeating Falkirk 3-0, but Celtic's win means the teams enter the final round level on points with Hearts needing at least a draw at Celtic Park to clinch the title. The result also keeps Motherwell's European ambitions alive as they sit just one point above Hibernian in the race for fourth place and Conference League qualification.

The penalty decision divided pundits, with Sky Sports analysts questioning whether the ball actually struck Nicholson's hand or simply deflected off his head. Former Celtic striker Chris Sutton believed it was a penalty, while ex-Rangers forward Kris Boyd argued the ball's trajectory suggested a header rather than handball.

Saturday's winner-takes-all clash will determine whether Celtic retain their crown or Hearts end their 66-year wait for Scottish football's biggest prize.