Credit: Imago, talkSPORT

Oliver Walton

Wed 13 May 2026 23:06, UK

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Jeff Stelling has voiced his frustration at the controversy surrounding Celtic’s late penalty against Motherwell to keep them firmly in the Premiership title race.

Kelechi Iheanacho netted a 99th-minute winner from the spot for the Hoops against Motherwell at Fir Park on Wednesday night.

The penalty decision was shrouded in controversy after Sam Nicholson was adjudged to have handled the ball while jumping to head it away from danger.

Stelling has offered his verdict, calling the decision to award a spot kick after a VAR review “embarrassing for Scottish football,” and many have agreed with his claim.

The Premiership title race is now set to come down to Celtic’s last match of the season against table-toppers Hearts, with the winner taking the crown.

Jeff Stelling joins in with anger at Celtic penalty decision vs Motherwell

Celtic now sit one point behind the Jambos ahead of their deciding clash at Celtic Park this coming weekend.

Many Hearts and Rangers supporters have condemned John Beaton’s decision to award the late penalty at Fir Park, with talkSPORT host Stelling joining the protests on X.

He took to the site to say: “Seriously, that is never a handball at Fir Park. The boy headed it 20 yards. The ref takes one look after VAR calls him over. Embarrassing for Scottish football.”

Other pundits were also against the decision, with ex-Celtic defender Darren O’Dea admitting on BBC Sportsound that he could not understand how the officials could “conclusively” say that it was a handball by Nicholson.

Kris Boyd also insisted live on Sky Sports that “serious questions” must be asked of the SFA following the controversial call.

What has Derek McInnes said about the Celtic penalty decision?

Hearts boss McInnes was unsurprisingly fuming with the penalty decision that went Celtic’s way, given the huge impact it has had on his side’s chances of winning the Premiership.

He was unable to hide his anger while speaking after the match, saying: “When they were checking a 96th minute penalty, you assume they (Celtic) are getting it.

“It’s disgusting. We’re up against everybody. I don’t think it’s a penalty.”

It remains to be seen if McInnes’ comments will land him in hot water ahead of Saturday’s showdown, with all eyes on Celtic Park for one of the biggest games in Premiership history.