The Motherwell penalty controversy might finally have some competition for Scotland’s longest-running football debate.
Just when it seemed the discussion surrounding John Beaton’s decision at Fir Park had begun to fade, a group of Scotland supporters ensured it would follow everyone all the way to the World Cup.
Ahead of Scotland’s opening match against Haiti, fans were pictured posing for a photograph with referee John Beaton.
On its own, that would not be particularly noteworthy.
The punchline was in the pose.
Supporters stood with their hands pressed against their foreheads in a playful recreation of Sam Nicholson for the infamous Motherwell handball decision which ultimately helped Celtic on their way to the title.
For those somehow avoiding the debate over the last month, Beaton awarded Celtic a stoppage-time penalty against Motherwell after being sent to the monitor by VAR. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the resulting spot-kick in a 3-2 victory that kept Celtic’s title hopes alive.
The decision sparked fury in Motherwell and, perhaps even more so, in Edinburgh.
Hearts had their own penalty appeal turned down against Motherwell days earlier and many supporters felt the contrasting decisions played a significant role in shaping the title race.
Since then, players, managers, pundits and supporters have all weighed in.
The SFA’s VAR Review programme backed the decision, but that has done little to quieten the debate.
Whether you agreed with the decision or not, the photo was undeniably good patter from the travelling support.
