Heart of Midlothian head coach Derek McInnes described a late penalty awarded to Celtic as "disgusting" ahead of a title-deciding match.

The controversy arrives at a critical juncture for the Scottish Premiership, as the result of the Motherwell versus Celtic match directly impacts the championship race. McInnes said the decision provided an unfair advantage to Celtic, complicating the path for his own squad.

The disputed penalty occurred in the 99th minute [1] during a match between Motherwell and Celtic at Fir Park [2]. McInnes said the call was unjustified and has placed his team in a difficult position regarding the league standings.

"It feels like us against everybody," McInnes said [3]. He said the team is "up against everybody" [4] as they prepare for the conclusion of the season.

The tension culminates in a final-day title decider scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2024 [5]. This high-stakes match will take place at Celtic Park in Glasgow [2].

Despite the frustration over the officiating at Fir Park, McInnes said his team is ready for the challenge. "We've ripped up the script," McInnes said [6].

“"It feels like us against everybody"”

The condemnation of the 99th-minute penalty highlights the intense pressure surrounding the Scottish Premiership title race. By framing the situation as a battle against the establishment, McInnes is leveraging a 'siege mentality' to motivate his players before the decisive clash at Celtic Park.