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McInnes Slams 'Disgusting' Celtic Penalty as Title Race Heats Up

Sky Sports Champions League •
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Hearts manager Derek McInnes has blasted the late penalty awarded to Celtic against Motherwell as 'disgusting' after Kelechi Iheanacho's stoppage-time winner kept the Scottish Premiership title race alive. With Celtic trailing 2-2 in the 100th minute, referee John Beaton awarded a penalty following VAR consultation, judging Motherwell's Sam Nicholson for handball during a long throw situation. The decision proved decisive as Iheanacho converted to secure a 3-2 victory, maintaining Celtic's title hopes. The controversy centers on whether the ball actually struck Nicholson's hand or head, with multiple pundits including Kris Boyd and Chris Sutton questioning the call. McInnes argued the decision was incorrect and that Celtic got lucky, emphasizing how Hearts now face a crucial final-day showdown against the defending champions with just one point separating the sides.

Key Points:

- Hearts boss Derek McInnes called the late Celtic penalty 'disgusting' and questioned its validity

- Kelechi Iheanacho converted the controversial stoppage-time spot-kick to give Celtic a 3-2 win over Motherwell

- Sam Nicholson's handball call came after VAR review during a long throw-in situation

- Multiple Sky Sports pundits believe the ball struck Nicholson's head, not his hand

- The decision keeps Celtic's title hopes alive with just one point separating them from Hearts