Ex-PGMOL chief mentions Celtic ‘points deduction’ after scenes at Fir Park

Keith Hackett has admitted that the Scottish FA could consider deducting points from Celtic after their fans spilled onto the pitch following Kelechi Iheanacho’s late winner at Motherwell.

Iheanacho’s 99th-minute penalty saw Celtic snatch a late 3-2 win at Fir Park to stay firmly in the Premiership title race.

The late strike saw Hoops supporters flood the pitch in celebration before they were ushered off by Motherwell stewards.

Liam Gordon had struck the hosts level in the 85th minute after strikes from Daizen Maeda and Benjamin Nygren saw Celtic ahead following Elliot Watt’s opener.

Celtic’s next match could now be one for the ages, as table-toppers Hearts visit Parkhead this weekend in a winner-takes-all clash to end the season.

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Former PGMOL chief and FIFA referee, Hackett, has told Football Insider that the Scottish FA will look into the actions of Celtic supporters after the late goal.

He admitted that points deduction can not be ruled out, saying: “The Scottish FA will certainly have to investigate this large pitch invasion and determine what course of action they must take.

“Clearly the size of the invasion is difficult to control. Let’s hope for Celtic fans’ sake that they decide not to implement a points deduction for this invasion.”

Celtic fans have already landed their club in hot water for a pitch invasion this season, after large sections of away supporters took to the Ibrox turf after they beat Rangers in March.

Celtic’s late penalty was given in controversial circumstances after John Beaton deemed that Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson had committed a handball offence following a VAR review.

Celtic fans spill onto the Fir Park pitch at full-time as they celebrate Kelechi Iheanacho’s 95th minute penalty.

It goes to the last day at Celtic Park! pic.twitter.com/QljBYG3pUB

The replays shown seemed inconclusive as to whether the ball hit his hand, with Hearts boss McInnes calling the officials’ integrity into question and deeming the decision “disgusting” after his side had beaten Falkirk 3-0.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the comments, Hackett predicted more bad news for the Jambos manager.

He said: “The statement calls into question the competence and integrity of the match official. I expect the SFA to investigate and then charge Derek McInnes.”