Hearts boss slams 'DISGUSTING' Celtic penalty decision - 'We're up against everybody'

Hearts manager Derek McInnes branded the penalty decision which kept Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race "disgusting" after a dramatic night. Celtic beat Motherwell 3-2 thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho's 99th-minute goal from the spot following a controversial VAR decision. Hearts had wrapped up a 3-0 win over Falkirk and appeared to be one step from a first title in 66 years, with Celtic drawing 2-2 at Motherwell. But referee John Beaton was sent to the pitchside monitor by the VAR after an incident from a long throw-in. Celtic defender Auston Trusty went down claiming he had been caught by an elbow, but Beaton awarded a penalty for an apparent handball. Iheanacho kept his cool from the spot to score with the final kick of the game and set up a title decider against Hearts on Saturday. It means that Celtic will win the title on Saturday if they beat Hearts, who only need a draw thanks to their one-point lead at the top of the table. Hearts boss McInnes saw a replay of the incident before conducting his post-match interview and was furious. JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page "I think it's disgusting. I don't think it's a penalty kick," he told Sky Sports . "But we're up against it, we're up against everybody and we'll be ready for Saturday. "There were two more shouts for a penalty kick at our game at Motherwell. If I'm Motherwell I'm really disappointed with that having seen it again. "I think it's so poor that they've been given that penalty. They've been very fortunate on that side of it and we have to realise we're up against everything. We need to just go and deal with the game on Saturday." Gary Lineker tweeted: "This might be the worst VAR decision I’ve seen (and there’s a lot of competition). Extraordinary given the significance." Speaking about the decision, former Rangers striker Kris Boyd said on Sky Sports: "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]. "Three massive calls in the last three games. The penalty kick at Motherwell on Saturday, the red card against Johnston and that on the night. It is incredible. "There will be serious questions asked and rightly so. Another dubious call has gone in Celtic's favour. If you throw a ball at someone and it hits your hand, it drops a few yards in front of you. It's impossible to get that distance off your hand. Nothing will be done about it." Ex-Hearts forward Ryan Stevenson said on BBC Sportsound: "It's a disgrace. VAR took six minutes in the recent West Ham v Arsenal game because everyone understood how big a decision it was. John Beaton was at the monitor for what, 20 seconds?" Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.