Sam Nicholson was adjudged to have handled the ball as he leapt to clear a long throw into the box in the dying embers
It’s a controversial decision that has sparked huge outrage across the football world.
One glance at social media shows the likes of Gary Lineker, Jeff Stelling and thousands of others piling in on what some have branded the “worst VAR decision in history”.
Countless still images and even AI-generated pictures have been thrown around online to fuel the debate over whether it was a penalty.
Now, a fresh angle has emerged that appears to offer the clearest view yet of the flashpoint – although it still falls short of being fully conclusive.
The verified action shot – taken by Alamy – shows Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson rising above Celtic defender Auston Trusty as he challenged for Anthony Ralston’s long throw into the box.
With Nicholson’s arm raised above shoulder height, the new angle appears to show the ball brushing his hand as he attempted to head clear the danger.
Referee John Beaton spent around 20 seconds reviewing the footage on the pitchside monitor after being advised to take another look by VAR official Andrew Dallas before eventually pointing to the spot.
Kelechi Iheanacho then stepped up to rifle home a dramatic 99th-minute winner to keep the title race alive heading into the final day.
The result means Celtic now know victory over Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday will seal the Premiership crown.
It was a body blow for the Jambos, who were in pole position heading to Parkhead after thumping Falkrik 3-0 at Tynecastle.
Had Celtic dropped points in Lanarkshire, the table-toppers would have travelled to Glasgow knowing they would only have to avoid a three-goal defeat to win a first league title in 66 years.
And just days after Hearts were denied a penalty of their own in a 1-1 draw at Motherwell, McInnes vented his frustration after seeing another major decision go against his side – branding the late spot-kick “disgusting”.
However, Celtic boss Martin O’Neill insisted the call was straightforward, saying: “We got a penalty which looks as if it’s pretty clear cut. Has he given it for the handball? There was an elbow on top of that too.
