Kelechi Iheanacho’s 99th-Minute Penalty Gives Celtic 3-2 Win Over Motherwell, Sets Hearts Title Decider

Celtic and Hearts set up a final-day Scottish Premiership title decider after Kelechi Iheanacho converted a 99th-minute penalty to give Celtic a 3-2 win at Motherwell on Wednesday.

“- Published Hearts head coach Derek McInnes says his side are "up against everybody" after a "disgusting" 99th-minute penalty winner for Celtic ensured the Scottish Premiership title race would go to a final-day decider on Saturday”

BBC

Hearts, who beat Falkirk 3-0, go into Saturday’s showdown at Celtic Park needing only to avoid defeat to be crowned champions for the first time since 1960, while Celtic remain one point behind.

BBC

Hearts manager Derek McInnes said the call was “disgusting” and told Sky Sports, “We’re up against everybody.”

The Scottish FA confirmed Don Robertson as referee for the match in Glasgow, with Calum Spence and David Roome assisting and Kevin Clancy on VAR supported by Matthew MacDermid.

The late penalty has triggered widespread anger, with BBC reporting that Hearts head coach Derek McInnes said, “When you heard Celtic had a 96th-minute penalty going to VAR, you just assume they get it.”

BBC also quoted McInnes describing the decision as “It’s disgusting. We’re up against it, we’re up against everybody.”

Celts Are Here

On the other side of the debate, Sky Sports presenter Kris Boyd argued on Sky Sports that “For that to fly off his head at this pace, if it hits your hand it will drop in front of you - it won't fly off [like it did].”

The BBC further reported that former referees Bobby Madden and Steve Conroy were asked on BBC Radio Scotland whether it was a penalty, and both answered with an emphatic “no”.

With the title race now going to the final game, BBC said Hearts must avoid defeat if they are to become the first side outside Celtic or Rangers to win the Scottish top flight in four decades.

“Kelechi Iheanacho’s controversial 99th-minute penalty snatched a 3-2 win for Celtic at Motherwell on Wednesday and set up a final day showdown for the Scottish Premiership title against Hearts”

Channels Television

Hearts Standard framed the match as a “title decider” in Glasgow, with Hearts requiring a draw or a win to secure their first title in 66 years.

Sky Sports described the equation as “one final showdown” at Celtic Park, with Hearts needing to avoid defeat while Celtic are determined to fight until the end.

As the match approaches, the confirmed officiating team—Don Robertson with Kevin Clancy on VAR supported by Matthew MacDermid—sets the stage for another high-stakes decision-making moment after the “disgusting” penalty controversy.