Cunha's goal sparked immediate debate after he found the net in a tightly contested Celtic‑Hearts clash that decided the Scottish Cup semi‑final. The striker's finish, ruled a goal by the officials, left fans and pundits arguing over a possible handball in the build‑up. Both clubs lodged formal complaints, prompting a rapid review by the Scottish FA. The decision also impacted ticket sales for the replay.

Referee Mark Thomson defended his decision, citing the ball's trajectory and the lack of clear contact. Television replays, however, showed the ball brushing Cunha's arm before crossing the line, intensifying calls for video‑assistant referee (VAR) intervention despite its limited use in domestic cup ties. The controversy has reignited debate over expanding VAR coverage in Scottish football. Supporters outside Murrayfield staged a silent protest, holding up placards.

Celtic's manager, Ange Postecoglou, praised his side's resilience but warned the decision could undermine morale if the appeal fails. Hearts' coach, Robbie Keane, urged the governing body to uphold the protest, arguing the goal altered the match’s momentum. With the final looming, both teams now face a tense preparation period, awaiting the FA's ruling. Training sessions will focus on set‑piece discipline to avoid similar disputes. Celtic remains determined to finish strongly.