Hearts manager Derek McInnes faces a formal SFA disciplinary hearing after being issued a notice of complaint over his remarks about a controversial Celtic penalty.
The penalty in question was awarded in the 96th minute of Celtic’s match against Motherwell at Fir Park back in May, sparking widespread outrage.
Referee John Beaton awarded the spot kick to Celtic on the advice of VAR Andrew Dallas, a decision that drew fierce criticism from across the footballing world.
Former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker described it as the “worst VAR decision” he had ever seen, reflecting the scale of public anger over the call.
The penalty was converted by Kelechi Iheanacho, keeping Celtic just one point behind Hearts going into the final day of the Scottish Premiership season.
Hearts had beaten Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle earlier that day and believed they needed only to avoid a heavy defeat at Parkhead to clinch a first Premiership title in 66 years.
News from North Lanarkshire changed the picture entirely, meaning any kind of Celtic victory at Parkhead would be enough for Martin O’Neill’s side to snatch the title.
Celtic eventually delivered, coming from behind after conceding to Lawrence Shankland before taking the lead with three minutes remaining and adding a third in stoppage time, triggering a pitch invasion.
McInnes was asked about the Fir Park penalty decision in the immediate aftermath of his side’s win over Falkirk, and his response left little to the imagination.
He said: “When you heard Celtic got a 96th minute penalty that was going to VAR and they were checking it, you just assume what’s happened is they get the penalty.”
He added: “Having seen it again, it’s disgusting. It is. I don’t think it’s a penalty kick. But we’re up against it. We’re up against everybody.”
Motherwell midfielder Elliott Watt has also been hit with a notice of complaint and will face his own disciplinary hearing alongside McInnes.
Both hearings have been scheduled for July 16, according to a report by the Herald.
McInnes has since departed Tynecastle, leaving his role as Hearts manager to take charge of boyhood club Rangers in what represents a significant career move.
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