Soccer
Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic inspects the pitch. Copyright: ImagoxVagelisxGeorgariou
Hearts head coach Derek McInnes has weighed in on Kelechi Iheanacho‘s late goal against Motherwell last night, airing his frustrations about the poor officiating level at Fir Park, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 29-year-old came off the bench in the 70th minute, but his moment came in the 95th minute. A Celtic cross saw Sam Nicholson and Auston Trusty involved in an aerial duel, but the Motherwell defender handled the ball, although many would opine it wasn’t intentional.
Referee John Beaton went to the VAR before pointing to the spot, and Iheanacho buried the spot kick emphatically, reducing the gap at the top of the table to two points.
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Soccer Hearts coach displeased with Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal
The Jam Tarts already harbour dreams of winning their first league title since the 1959/1960 season. Had the penalty not been given, they’d need to lose to Celtic by at least five goals in the final matchday to surrender the title to Martin O’Neill’s side.
However, the late strike from Iheanacho complicates things, and whoever wins on Saturday takes home the league title. McInnes, speaking after Hearts’ 3-0 win over Falkirk, described the decision as ‘disgusting’.
“Our players just went around to have a good time with the fans,, and when we heard there was a VAR check in Celtic, you just assumed that they’d get it,” the 54-year-old said in an interview with Sky Sports.
“I think it’s disgusting. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick, but we’re up against it.
“We’re up against everyone, and we’ll be up against them on Saturday, so, we’ll see. I saw it, and I think it’s so clear they were gifted the penalty.
“They’ve been very fortunate, I’ll say that. Celtic have been in good form so far, and it’s perfect for the drama, since the title decider is heading into the last game.
“Sometimes you have to beat the best team, and to do that, we’ll need a positive result. No need to feel sorry for ourselves,” the ex-Kilmarnock man concluded.
The final league game between the two sides will be played at Celtic Park in two days. Any result but a loss will see Hearts crowned Champions for the first time in 66 years.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual CAF-Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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