Celtic Unique Angle shows new handball evidence for penalty vs Motherwell

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Celtic’s Unique Angle has shown a new angle of the handball incident which led to the Hoops’ penalty at Fir Park.

On a huge day in the Scottish Premiership title race, the conversation was dominated by VAR’s decision to intervene and penalise Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson for a handball in the box.

The resulting goal from Kelechi Iheanacho has tipped the balance back in Celtic’s favour; Martin O’Neill’s men simply now have to beat Hearts at Parkhead on the final day of the season.

The decision has been widely criticised as not being based off of conclusive evidence of handball, but new evidence has come to light.

Celtic’s Unique Angle of Kelechi Ihanacho’s winner against Motherwell

The video was uploaded on Celtic’s social media channels, and shows both the handball incident and the penalty itself.

@Fitzy__07 on X has slowed the clip down, allowing for more examination

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Nicholson’s hand can be seen recoiling from making contact with the ball. The angle is much closer than the one used by VAR.

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou called the decision the “worst he has ever seen” by VAR in a seriously dejected post-match interview.

Of course, Hearts boss Derek McInnes blasted the decision as “disgusting” in a hot-headed interview after his side’s win over Falkirk.

Hearts hero Ryan Stevenson also isn’t happy, labelling it a “disgrace” and as “garbage”. Even Gary Lineker has slated it.

However, Chris Sutton has called out high-profile pundits for their hysteria, saying that their pro-Hearts agenda is clouding their judgement.

Celtic manager Martin O’Neill said that decision was clear-cut, and the result of a combination of handball and an elbowing offence by Nicholson.

The relevant rules Celtic’s penalty call against Motherwell

The handball was ruled punishable due to “touch[ing] the ball with their hand/arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger. “

As per the rules “A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand/arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation.

“By having their hand/arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand/arm being hit by the ball and being penalised.”

Additionally, despite talk of the call being ruled as a “clear and obvious error”, referees are also sent to the monitor in the case of a “serious missed incident” relating to the penalty.