adminNEWS + CONTROVERSY ANGLE “CELTIC’S TITLE WIN UNDER FIRE: SPFL REVEALS O’NEILL-MCINNES EXCHANGE AFTER HEARTS THRASHING AT CELTIC PARK” WHY IT WORKS : LEADS WITH THE CONTROVERSY AND TIES IT DIRECTLY TO THE INCIDENT
Fresh Footage Prompts Neil Lennon to Change His Stance on Celtic Penalty Controversy
3–4 minute read
Neil Lennon has admitted that newly surfaced footage from Celtic’s dramatic victory over Motherwell makes the late penalty decision look far clearer than it initially appeared on television.
The stoppage-time incident at Fir Park has been the talk of Scottish football since Wednesday night, after referee John Beaton pointed to the spot following a VAR review.
Kelechi Iheanacho converted the resulting penalty to hand Celtic a huge 3-2 win, keeping the Premiership title race very much alive heading into Saturday’s decisive clash with Hearts at Celtic Park.
At the time, many watching live were left puzzled as to exactly what the foul had been given for. The television replays shown during the match caused confusion—some thought it was a handball, while others suspected VAR might have been reviewing a possible elbow on Auston Trusty during an aerial challenge in the box.
Since then, clearer images and behind-the-goal footage have circulated online, appearing to show the ball striking Sam Nicholson’s raised arm before spinning away. That new footage has changed the debate for many who were unconvinced immediately after the final whistle.
Lennon discussed the controversy on Thursday morning and acknowledged that the newer images look far more decisive than the original broadcast angles. The former Celtic manager also noted how quickly John Beaton came to his decision once sent to the monitor.
Speaking to BBC Radio Five Live, Lennon said: “It was inconclusive last night, really, when you saw the TV clips. But there’s a photograph doing the rounds this morning that looks pretty conclusive that it was a handball. He didn’t take long to make the decision—he was there for about 20 seconds. I’m not a lover of VAR. I’m not a lover of the handball rule.”
That last point likely reflects the broader frustration felt across football right now. Even those who believe the correct decision was made remain unhappy with how handball incidents are interpreted week to week. The arguments rarely end, because fans often end up debating the rule itself rather than the referee’s application of it.
For Celtic, however, the newer footage has helped quiet some of the noise surrounding the decision. What hasn’t changed is the significance of the result itself.
Celtic now head into the final day knowing that a win over Hearts at Celtic Park will secure the league title, following one of the most dramatic nights of the season at Fir Park.
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