Gary Lineker leads outrage at 'worst VAR decision yet' as Celtic get vital call in title fight

Gary Lineker slammed what he perceived to be "the worst VAR decision" he'd ever seen during Celtic's clash with Motherwell on Wednesday evening. The Scottish Premiership titans are embroiled in a two-horse race for the league title with Hearts, just one point separating the two down the home stretch. After 37 games, Hearts lead the league standings with 80 points, while Celtic breathe down their neck on 79. And with just one match remaining, it's all still left to play for as Derek McInnes' and Martin O'Neill's sides meet in a title-decider at Celtic Park on Saturday. Celtic kept their title hopes alive thanks to a 3-2 win over Motherwell at Fir Park this week. Elliot Watt opened the scoring for the hosts just 17 minutes into play, before Daizen Maeda equalised just moments before half-time. Benjamin Nygren gave the Celts the lead 13 minutes into the second-half, as they looked to close out a 2-1 win over their domestic rivals and keep the pressure on Hearts - who took a 3-0 win over Falkirk simultaneously. Fate had other plans for the encounter, however, when Liam Gordon equalised for Motherwell with just five minutes left on the clock, potentially crushing Celtic's dreams of an unprecedented 56th league title. Things took an even bigger turn when Celtic were awarded a penalty 93 minutes into the clash. Sam Nicholson leapt for a looping throw in inside his own area with his arm raised - unclear as to whether the ball bounced off his hand of his forehead as he cleared it. Referee John Beaton was called upon by VAR Andrew Dallas to take a closer look at the situation, with the official ultimately awarding a spot-kick to Celtic - Kelechi Iheanacho stepping up to convert to ensure the title race proceeded to a last day decider come Saturday, May 16. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page However, fans and pundits worldwide were unconvinced by the decision, with Lineker taking to X to write: "This might be the worst VAR decision I've seen (and there’s a lot of competition). Extraordinary given the significance." Hearts manager McInnes, meanwhile, seethed at the call. He told Sky Sports in the aftermath: "When you heard Celtic had a 96th-minute penalty going to VAR, you just assume they get it. "It's disgusting. We're up against it, we're up against everybody. I don't think it's a penalty. It's so poor and it looks as though [Celtic] have been given it. They have been very fortunate." Motherwell manager Jen Berthel Askou was also baffled by the decision. He said: "The big question is what are we even doing here. I'm in total shock. I thought I had seen it all this year, but apparently I haven't. "It's shocking and it's a shame for the game. Seeing the footage, I can't see any way that can be a penalty. I can't see it touch his hand and, even if it has, it's because his arm has been pushed into it. It's a crazy thing to be part of and the game deserved better than that." On the other hand, O'Neill had very little argument that he believed it to be a foul, and subsequently, a penalty. He explained: "I have seen it back very, very briefly... it's a handball. "It looks as if it's also an elbow to the side of the head as well. VAR have asked the referee to come over and he had no hesitation in giving the penalty." As a result of the 3-2 win, the Scottish Premiership title all comes down to Celtic's encounter with Hearts on home soil this weekend, the winner taking all the marbles and glory for 2025/26.