Q&A: Was VAR name for Celtic penalty at Motherwell ‘clear cut’ or ‘worst decision in history’?

It’s the resolution that has bought the footballing world speaking. Celtic’s match-winning penalty at Fir Park.

Was it a handball? Was it a header? What does it imply for the Scottish Premiership title race?

Listed here are the important thing questions answered following one other dramatic twist in probably the most unforgettable season…

What occurred?

The ultimate whistle had gone at Tynecastle to seal a win for Hearts. Celtic had been seconds away from drawing at Motherwell, which might have seen Hearts go to Celtic on the ultimate day with a three-point lead.

Then, Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson jumped up with Celtic’s Auston Trusty to attempt to head the ball from an extended throw-in. Nicholson’s elbow was raised and was maybe pushed additional up by Trusty’s shoulder.

The sport stopped for a VAR examine. Was that for an elbow? No. The stadium PA introduced it was the truth is for handball.

Did Celtic gamers enchantment for a penalty?

Many have famous that the Celtic appeals for a penalty had been restricted. Trusty lay on the pitch following the collision with Nicholson and held his head. He went on to complain to referee John Beaton about being elbowed by the Motherwell participant. Nevertheless, there have been no actual claims for a handball on the time.

What about ‘clear and apparent’?

The three phrases which were related to VAR.

Debate has raged about whether or not the ball got here off Nicholson’s hand or if it solely hit his head.

The way in which the ball flew again out of play for a throw-in suggests it got here off his head, so VAR should consider it got here off his hand on the identical time.

If there’s doubt, can it’s deemed as a transparent and apparent error for the VAR to intervene?

How lengthy did the VAR examine take?

After VAR Andrew Dallas suggested referee John Beaton to hold out an on-field overview, he was on the VAR display screen for round 22 seconds as officers used the one angle that greatest confirmed the incident. From that, it was determined Nicholson’s hand was in an unnatural place, leading to a penalty for handball.

A 99th-minute purpose however solely 5 minutes added?

Sure, Kelechi Iheanacho’s penalty hit the online with the clock at 98:27. Sure, there have been solely 5 minutes of added time. Nevertheless, the handball offence itself passed off at 94:52 – that is eight seconds throughout the added time initially indicated by the officers.

Did followers spot one thing else?

Properly, some eagle-eyed Motherwell supporters consider the throw-in that resulted within the penalty was in-fact a foul-throw. The picture beneath might show their level. Nevertheless, it is very important know VAR cannot intervene in that.

Worst VAR resolution ever?

It is a daring declare, however Motherwell’s Elliot Watt believes in order he tweeted “the worst VAR decision in history”. His supervisor Jens Berthel Askou wasn’t impressed both and stated: “I assumed I would seen all of it this yr, however apparently I have never. It is surprising.

“Even if he touches with his fingernail, it’s because there’s contact when he goes up. His arm is here, then he gets pushed into it, so it would never be a penalty anyway.”

‘Clear lower’ or ‘disgusting’?

It may be no shock that the 2 bosses battling for the title had contrasting views. Celtic supervisor Martin O’Neill stated the choice “looks as if it’s a pretty clear cut” and added “he’s given it for the handball, and also an elbow on top of that there as well”.

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes disagreed. “It’s disgusting,” he stated. “I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. We’re up against it, we’re up against everybody and we’ll be ready for Saturday.”

Ought to there have been TWO MORE penalties?

Referee Beaton and VAR Dallas had been definitely busy at Fir Park. Within the first half they checked and dismissed an enchantment from Celtic for a penalty after Motherwell goalkeeper Calum Ward collided with Daizen Maeda within the field as he tried to clear the ball.

Kris Boyd felt there was a mistake right here too. “This could be a penalty,” he stated. “The goalkeeper makes contact with Maeda before anything else.”

Later, additionally they rejected Motherwell spot-kick claims when Callum Slattery went down within the space. Regardless of claims for a foul by Callum McGregor on Slattery, Boyd backed the referee’s resolution and stated: “I think he slips.”

Three flawed calls in per week?

Boyd believes this VAR resolution is the newest that has resulted in a lift for Celtic’s title bid and stated it was “another dubious call which has gone in Celtic’s favour”.

He is referring to Steven McLean’s resolution to not award a penalty to Hearts towards Motherwell on Saturday, regardless of being despatched to the monitor by VAR, plus Celtic’s Alistair Johnston avoiding a pink card within the Previous Agency sport final Sunday.

The place does that go away the title race with one sport to go?

Earlier than that penalty was awarded, Hearts had already gained towards Falkirk and Celtic had been set to drop two factors. That may have seen leaders Hearts have a three-point benefit heading into the ultimate day, plus a superior purpose distinction of six.

When the ball left the spot and hit the online, the hole was down to at least one level and the purpose distinction was down to 5.

What occurs subsequent?

Fairly easy. Ninety minutes. Two groups. One title.

Ought to Celtic win at dwelling to Hearts, they’re champions once more. If Hearts win, and even draw, then it’s them who might be champions.

Who’re the officers for the title decider?

The Scottish FA have appointed Don Robertson to take cost of the sport at Parkhead, with Kevin Clancy on VAR.

The place can we watch it?

Sky Sports activities Soccer. Stay from 11.30am. Kick-off at 12.30pm. Do not miss it.