Stephen Welsh was left dealing with a tough moment at Tynecastle after his late challenge led to the penalty that swung the game in Hearts’ favour.

With the score at 1–1, Welsh moved to clear a loose ball in the box but caught Pierre Landry Kabore high. Referee Matthew Macdermid waved play on at first before VAR stepped in and sent him to the screen.


The call went against him. Lawrence Shankland stepped up and scored, putting Hearts 2–1 ahead before a late third goal made it 3–1.

For Welsh, it carried added weight. As a Celtic player on loan at Motherwell, the result had an impact beyond just his current side, with the title race tightening at the top.

He said: (Daily Record), “Aye! I don’t think they’ll be phoning me at any time soon after for that.

“Nah, look, I’ll try and put the title race to the back of my mind.

“I’m a Motherwell player until the end of the season, so for me the main focus is on doing as well as I can for the club and for the teammates. I think it’s important that we really stick together at this point.”

The moment itself showed how fine the margins can be. Welsh had to deal with a dropping ball under pressure, and while he got there first, the follow-through caught Kabore and left the referee with a decision once it was reviewed.

The penalty itself has led to debate. Kabore was already low to the ground going for the ball, and Welsh was trying to clear in a tight space. It raises the question of what else he was meant to do in that situation.

From Motherwell’s side, it proved to be the turning point in a game where they had gone ahead and created chances to stay in front. Instead, they came away with nothing after losing control late on.


For Welsh, the focus now returns to his loan spell. He is still a regular in the side, but moments like this will follow him, especially given the wider context around Celtic and the title race.

His reaction shows he is trying to shut that out. His stance is clear. Until the end of the season, his job is with Motherwell, even if the outcome of one moment reaches further than that.