EDINBURGH - Kelechi Iheanacho converted a controversial penalty deep into stoppage time, securing a 3-2 win for Celtic at Motherwell on Wednesday and keeping the Scottish Premiership title race alive for a final-day showdown with leaders Heart of Midlothian.
Had the match ended in a draw, Celtic would have needed a three-goal victory over Hearts on Saturday. But with the last kick of the game, referee John Beaton-after a VAR review and pitch-side monitor check-ruled that Motherwell's Sam Nicholson had handled the ball inside the area, a decision that left both the home side and Hearts manager Derek McInnes fuming.
"It's disgusting. We're up against everybody," McInnes told Sky Sports. "I don't think it's a penalty."
Meanwhile, Hearts cruised past Falkirk 3-0, meaning they need only a draw in Glasgow on Saturday to claim their first league title since 1985. The last time Hearts were this close, in 1986, a late collapse allowed Celtic to snatch the trophy.
Celtic have won six consecutive league titles. A draw at Celtic Park would end that run and make Hearts the first champion outside the Old Firm in nearly 40 years.