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Scottish panel overturns Celtic penalty, cites VAR error

5/23/2026

Summary

Scottish Panel Rejects Penalty

The Scottish Football Association’s key match incident panel ruled Celtic should not have been awarded the penalty against Motherwell.
VAR official Andrew Dallas advised referee John Beaton of a Sam Nicholson handball, prompting the disputed spot-kick.
The panel confirmed the referee’s original non-penalty decision was correct and the VAR intervention was wrong.
The Scottish Senior Football Referees Association provided police protection for referee John Beaton and condemned abuse of officials.

Summary

Celtic Under Probe

The SPFL opened investigations into five matches, including Celtic’s 13 May Motherwell and 16 May Hearts games, for alleged pitch invasions and pyrotechnics.
Ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett warned Celtic could face a five-point deduction, a fine, or a closed-door match if found guilty.
Former Aberdeen chief Keith Wyness said Celtic supporters’ arrogance must be punished.
The probe also covers Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Hamilton Academical, Clyde, Stenhousemuir and Alloa Athletic.

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Scottish Panel Rejects Penalty

The Scottish Football Association’s key match incident panel ruled Celtic should not have been awarded the penalty against Motherwell.
VAR official Andrew Dallas advised referee John Beaton of a Sam Nicholson handball, prompting the disputed spot-kick.
The panel confirmed the referee’s original non-penalty decision was correct and the VAR intervention was wrong.
The Scottish Senior Football Referees Association provided police protection for referee John Beaton and condemned abuse of officials.

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