A furious Derek McInnes has branded the decision to hand Celtic a very controversial penalty in their dramatic 3-2 win over Motherwell as ‘disgusting’ – with his Hearts side now requiring a draw at least against the Parkhead outfit on the final day of the season to clinch the league title. The Jambos held up their end of the bargain with an impressive 3-0 triumph against Falkirk at Tynecastle, with Frankie Kent, Cammy Devlin and Blair Spittal all finding the net.
Supporters inside Tynecastle were simultaneously monitoring proceedings at Fir Park, where the scores were level at 2-2 heading into stoppage time after Eliot Watt, Daizen Maeda, Benjamin Nygren and Liam Gordon had traded goals. However, deep into injury time, referee John Beaton ultimately pointed to the spot after being advised by VAR that Steelmen winger Sam Nicholson had handled the ball inside the area while jumping to contest a header with Auston Trusty. Kelechi Iheanacho scored the resulting spot-kick.
Hearts remain just a single point above Martin O’Neill’s side ahead of a momentous showdown at Celtic Park on Sunday, where the Gorgie men must avoid defeat to become the first club outside of the Old Firm to claim the championship since 1985. It would be Hearts’ first title since 1960.
The former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock manager pulled no punches after viewing footage of the contentious decision. Speaking on Sky Sports, McInnes said: “When we heard Celtic got a 96th-minute penalty that was going to VAR, you just assume they’d get the penalty.
“But having seen it again, it’s disgusting. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. We are up against everybody and we will be ready for Saturday.
“I don’t think it’s a penalty kick, there were two more (better) shouts for a penalty kick in our game with Motherwell. If I am Motherwell I am disappointed with that having seen it again.
“I think it’s so poor that they have been given that penalty. They (Celtic) have been very fortunate and we have to realise we are up against everything. We need to go and deal with the game on Saturday.”
Previewing this weekend’s title showdown, McInnes added: “It’s difficult in any game, because nobody plays football to draw a game. It’s a difficult mindset when players are tuned to win games, to go and try and just play for a point.
“Celtic are in good form. You’ve got to say that Martin has done so well to get them into this position. It’s perfect in terms of drama for you guys, for Scottish football. It’s perfect in that sense.
“We’re just delighted we’re part of it. The main point now is to make sure we go and try and win the title. Sometimes in life you’ve got to beat the best team. The best team for years now have been Celtic.
“We’ve managed to give a really good record against them. To do it, we’re going to have to go and get a positive result. I’m looking forward to it already. There’ll be no feeling sorry for ourselves. What a game it’s going to be.”