Q&A: Was Celtic penalty 'worst VAR decision in history' or 'clear cut'?

It is the decision that has got the footballing world talking. Celtic’s match-winning penalty at Fir Park.

Was it a handball? Was it a header? What does it mean for the Scottish Premiership title race?

Here are the key questions answered following another dramatic twist in the most unforgettable season...

Motherwell 2-3 Celtic - Match report and reaction

Got Sky? Watch now on the Sky Sports app 📱

Not got Sky? Get instant access with no contract 📺

Scottish Premiership table | Watch Premiership highlights for free

The final whistle had gone at Tynecastle to seal a win for Hearts. Celtic were seconds away from drawing at Motherwell, which would have seen Hearts go to Celtic on the final day with a three-point lead.

Then, Motherwell's Sam Nicholson jumped up with Celtic's Auston Trusty to try to head the ball from a long throw-in. Nicholson's elbow was raised and was perhaps pushed further up by Trusty's shoulder.

The game stopped for a VAR check. Was that for an elbow? No. The stadium PA announced it was in fact for handball.

Many have noted that the Celtic appeals for a penalty were limited. Trusty lay on the pitch following the collision with Nicholson and held his head. He went on to complain to referee John Beaton about being elbowed by the Motherwell player. However, there were no real claims for a handball at the time.

The three words that have been associated with VAR.

Debate has raged about whether the ball came off Nicholson's hand or if it only hit his head.

The way the ball flew back out of play for a throw-in suggests it came off his head, so VAR must believe it came off his hand at the same time.

If there is doubt, can it be deemed as a clear and obvious error for the VAR to intervene?

After VAR Andrew Dallas advised referee John Beaton to carry out an on-field review, he was at the VAR screen for around 22 seconds as officials used the one angle that best showed the incident. From that, it was decided Nicholson's hand was in an unnatural position, resulting in a penalty for handball.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Yes, Kelechi Iheanacho's penalty hit the net with the clock at 98:27. Yes, there were only five minutes of added time. However, the handball offence itself took place at 94:52 - that's eight seconds within the added time initially indicated by the officials.

Well, some eagle-eyed Motherwell supporters believe the throw-in that resulted in the penalty was in-fact a foul-throw. The image below could prove their point. However, it is important to know VAR can't intervene in that.

It's a bold claim, but Motherwell's Elliot Watt believes so as he tweeted "the worst VAR decision in history". His manager Jens Berthel Askou wasn't impressed either and said: "I thought I'd seen it all this year, but apparently I haven't. It's shocking.

The worst VAR decision in history. But a top team performance that deserved more. We pick ourselves up ahead of a big game Saturday. Thanks for your support at home this season, 1 more to go🧡 https://t.co/Q91glDUYIb

"Even if he touches with his fingernail, it's because there's contact when he goes up. His arm is here, then he gets pushed into it, so it would never be a penalty anyway."

It might be no surprise that the two bosses battling for the title had contrasting views. Celtic manager Martin O'Neill said the decision "looks as if it's a pretty clear cut" and added "he's given it for the handball, and also an elbow on top of that there as well".

Hearts head coach Derek McInnes disagreed. "It's disgusting," he said. "I don't think it's a penalty kick. We're up against it, we're up against everybody and we'll be ready for Saturday."

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player