How the world’s media reacted to Celtic penalty drama from Alan Shearer to Steve Nicol’s rant

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It has gone bonkers out there, and now there is an unnecessary spotlight heading into Celtic’s title showdown with Hearts on Saturday.

As soon as the final whistle blew at Fir Park on Wednesday night, the footballing world went into overdrive following the decision to award Celtic a last-gasp penalty against Motherwell.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s winning spot-kick proved to be pivotal because it means Martin O’Neill’s side can win the Premiership title if they beat leaders Hearts on the final day of the campaign this weekend.

Everyone from everywhere reacted to Celtic’s penalty and handball drama, with many outraged by the call, from Alan Shearer calling for VAR to be scrapped, Steve Nicol ranting on ESPN, and any known footballing platform on social media, annoyed by what they had seen.

67 Hail Hail has rounded up how the world’s media reacted to what unfolded in North Lanarkshire.

• READ MORE: Callum McGregor declares the ‘biggest moment he’s seen’ at Celtic in Motherwell reflection

Calls for VAR to go after Celtic handball incident at Motherwell

To nobody’s surprise, there are many calls for VAR now to be scrapped, with Shearer stating loud and clear on social media, ‘get rid of it.’

That was followed by his colleague, Gary Lineker, who thinks it might be ‘the worst VAR decision I have seen’, as he highlighted the importance of it all.

You even had former Liverpool player Steve Nicol, not blame VAR, but on-field referee John Beaton for his actions, and how he is an ‘idiot.’

The pile-on didn’t stop there, because talkSPORT filled their shoes, with Simon Jordan and Jeff Stelling calling the incident out.

Celtic fans would have seen Chris Sutton defending the penalty call; well, he was joined by his former teammate, Neil Lennon.

Either way, the majority of the reaction was against Celtic, and now, as Bundesliga commentator Derek Rae put it, it will result in Sky Sports having a ‘bigger audience’ than usual for their coverage of the title-deciding game.

Alan Shearer on social media: “But we were told it was for absolute howlers ONLY and they WON’T re-referee and maximum benefit and minimum interference!!! GET RID OF IT.”

Gary Lineker on social media: “This might be the worst VAR decision I’ve seen (and there’s a lot of competition). Extraordinary given the significance.”

Jeff Stelling on social media: “Seriously, that is never a handball at Fir Park. The boy headed it 20 yards. The ref takes one look after VAR calls him over. Embarrassing for Scottish football.”

Simon Jordan on talkSPORT: “A scandalously bad decision! Hearts deserve to win the league, and I hope they win it at Celtic Park!”

Neil Lennon on the BBC: “It was inconclusive on the night. When you see the clips from TV. But there is a photograph doing the rounds, which 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, so it just adds. There was so much drama and attention surrounding the game, you could feel it, on the stands and on the pitch.”

Henry Winter on social media: “Celtic’s penalty was certainly a debatable decision. Impossible to be definitive either way, hence the current widespread inquest, so they really should have stayed with the original on-field.

“No pen. Understandable anger amongst Motherwell and Hearts coaches, players and supporters.”

Derek Rae on social media: “It’s an aside point to the argument still raging from last night, but that incident has guaranteed Sky an even bigger audience figure for Celtic-Hearts on Saturday.

“Publicity = viewers + Surely a very good chance it will surpass any other Scottish domestic game in Sky‘s history.”

Daily Record headline: ‘The hand that rocked the table.’

Steve Nicol on ESPN: “Are you telling me that we would be better off with just referees refereeing the game? The fact that they get an opportunity to see it again is absolutely fantastic.

“It’s not the VAR implication that is the problem. It’s the people who make the final decision. Not VAR. That isn’t the problem. It’s the idiot who gave that penalty, and he went against all the rules of VAR. But that’s not VAR’s fault that the referee went against the rules.”

Don Hutchison on social media: “Wow, the VAR pen in the Celtic game is again. One of the worst decisions of all time. You don’t get that much power with your hand. It hits his forehead. Again, the ref did NOT give it on the field. So, according to the law, ‘It’s not clear and obvious.'”