Motherwell’s furious reaction to Celtic’s late winner at Fir Park has now brought consequences, with Elliot Watt handed an immediate four-match suspension and the Lanarkshire club fined £5,000.
The punishment relates to the fallout from Celtic’s dramatic 3-2 victory in May, when Kelechi Iheanacho converted a 99th-minute penalty after VAR advised referee John Beaton to review Sam Nicholson’s handball.
Beaton went to the monitor and awarded the spot kick for handball, allowing Iheanacho to keep his composure and secure all three points for Celtic.
Motherwell did not take the decision well.
Watt later described it on social media as “the worst VAR decision in history”, while the club published footage of the incident alongside the statement: “As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line in the sand and shift the focus.”
That public response has now resulted in action from the Scottish FA.
Watt admitted breaching Rule 72, which covers public comments about match officials that suggest bias or incompetence or damage their character. Motherwell were also found guilty under the same rule.
The midfielder’s four-match ban takes effect immediately, while the club must pay a £5,000 fine.
For all the noise which followed the incident, the situation on the day was straightforward from Celtic’s point of view. VAR identified a potential handball, Beaton reviewed the footage himself and made the final call.
Iheanacho then did what was required from 12 yards.
The reaction also overshadowed Celtic’s part in the moment. The champions kept pushing deep into stoppage time, forced the incident and then dealt with the pressure of a decisive penalty.
Watt may not serve the full suspension at Fir Park, with Samsunspor reportedly interested in signing him, but the punishment will follow the player regardless of the continuing speculation over his future.
The result remains unchanged, the three points remain Celtic’s and Motherwell’s response has now cost both player and club.
