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The Scottish Football Association’s Key Match Incident (KMI) panel has determined that Celtic should not have been awarded the decisive penalty in their recent away match against Motherwell, a decision that significantly impacted Hearts’ Scottish Premiership title hopes.

The conclusion of the William Hill Premiership season was steeped in controversy after Celtic were given a stoppage-time penalty at Fir Park with the score locked at 2-2.

VAR official Andrew Dallas intervened to alert referee John Beaton, suggesting that Motherwell’s Sam Nicholson had handled the ball while contesting an aerial challenge with Celtic defender Auston Trusty.

Despite inconclusive footage, Beaton reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor for roughly 20 seconds before pointing to the spot. Kelechi Iheanacho converted the penalty, sealing a dramatic 3-2 win for Celtic that sparked jubilant celebrations.

The result meant that Celtic only needed to beat Hearts by any margin on the final day to secure the league title. Had the Motherwell match ended in a draw, they would have required a three-goal victory in their final fixture.

The decision to award the penalty drew widespread criticism. Former England striker Gary Lineker described it as “possibly the worst VAR decision I’ve seen,” while Hearts manager Derek McInnes called it “disgusting.”

Following the controversy, referee John Beaton was placed under police protection after his personal details were leaked online.

On Friday, the KMI panel concluded that Beaton’s initial decision not to award a penalty was correct and that the VAR intervention was mistaken.

This was the second major officiating error to go against Hearts during the season’s closing rounds. Earlier, referee Steven McLean declined to award Hearts a penalty against Motherwell when the score was 1-1, despite VAR official Greg Aitken indicating that Alexandros Kyziridis had been tripped by Tawanda Maswanhise. The KMI panel later confirmed that decision was also incorrect.

Hearts ultimately finished two points behind Celtic, with both controversial calls proving pivotal in the title race.

In response to the escalating criticism of referees, the Scottish Senior Football Referees Association (SSFRA) condemned what it described as “entirely disproportionate” scrutiny of match officials over the past month.

“The SSFRA stands firmly alongside our colleagues following the wholly unacceptable reaction to recent refereeing decisions,” the association said in a statement on Friday.

“Irresponsible commentary from some managers, clubs and sections of the media has only served to fuel an already toxic environment.

“No referee should face abuse, intimidation, threats, or the leaking of private information simply for performing their duties. Such behaviour has no place in Scottish football or society at large.

“Referees have a demanding role and deserve the same respect and protection as everyone else involved in the sport. Scottish football cannot prosper in an atmosphere where officials are personally targeted for decisions made in the course of their work.

“If this behaviour continues, we will consider all available options.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) has launched a disciplinary investigation into last Saturday’s title-deciding match between Celtic and Hearts.

The match at Celtic Park was disrupted by a pitch invasion after Callum Osmand scored late to make it 3-1 in Celtic’s favour.

Several Celtic supporters ran onto the pitch towards the Hearts players, who had to be escorted off by security amid safety concerns.

With police inquiries ongoing to determine if any criminal offences occurred, the SPFL confirmed on Friday that the Celtic-Hearts fixture is one of five matches under investigation under Rules H36 and H37. Other matches involving Inverness vs Hamilton, Motherwell vs Celtic, Hamilton vs Clyde, and Stenhousemuir vs Alloa are also being reviewed.

In a statement, the SPFL said: “It remains vital for all stakeholders to work together to tackle issues of unacceptable behaviour at matches, including pitch incursions and the use of pyrotechnics.

“The SPFL has fully engaged in the Scottish Government’s consultation on football banning orders and awaits further developments in that process.”