Late penalty sees Celtic set up title showdown
Motherwell 1 - 2 Celtic
Celtic secured a remarkable title lifeline as Kelechi Iheanacho’s controversially awarded 99th-minute penalty sealed victory at Motherwell.
Author | Sean M
Stadium | Fir Park
This dramatic victory leaves them just a point behind leaders Hearts ahead of Saturday’s decisive meeting in Glasgow.
Martin O'Neill’s side had fought back from Motherwell’s opener to lead shortly before the hour mark, only for the hosts to equalise in the 85th minute.
At that point, the defending champions appeared to need a three-goal victory over Hearts at Celtic Park on the final day to retain the title.
Late penalty drama
Deep into stoppage time, Celtic defender Auston Trusty went down claiming he had been caught by a stray elbow. Referee John Beaton was sent to the monitor before eventually awarding a penalty for handball.
Iheanacho held his nerve to calmly convert from the spot, sparking chaotic celebrations and leaving Celtic knowing that any victory on Saturday will secure the championship.
This season has produced drama at every turn and there was more here. The tempo rarely dipped, the atmosphere crackled throughout and the stakes could scarcely have been higher.
The conclusion is certain to be debated for years. Despite everything being said by pundits and online by fans, we believe the referee made the correct decision looming at the current laws of the game.
That's probably a penalty. Again, it shouldn't be a penalty, but this is where we're at now. Eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com Superlocalnews.blogspot.com
— Super News Affiliate (@supernews1.bsky.social) 14 May 2026 at 17:21
[image or embed]
Motherwell, beaten only twice at Fir Park this season, both times by Falkirk, looked composed in the opening stages and threatened to strengthen their push for European qualification.
