Kelechi Iheanacho netted from the spot nine minutes into stoppage time to hand Celtic a 3-2 win over Motherwell and change the complexion of Saturday’s title decider at Parkhead.

Before referee John Beaton was called to the monitor by video assistant Andrew Dallas, Celtic faced the task of needing a three-goal win over long-time leaders Hearts. Now any victory will do for the champions.

The penalty award has sparked controversy beyond Scotland, with Gary Lineker branding it the worst VAR decision he has seen.

Former Hearts midfielder Sam Nicholson was penalised for handball after jumping with Celtic defender Auston Trusty to clear Anthony Ralston’s long throw. Nicholson’s raised hand was directly in front of his forehead.

A statement from the Foundation of Hearts, the club’s majority shareholder, congratulated Derek McInnes and his team on their “outstanding achievements” this season.

It added: “We have, however, been extremely concerned by a number of refereeing and VAR decisions across the last two rounds of fixtures, which have had a significant impact on outcomes for Hearts and others.

“That this has occurred at such a crucial stage of the season is particularly disappointing.

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“We understand that the club shares these concerns and has made representations to the football authorities seeking clarification on recent decisions.

“At a time when Scottish football is subject to heightened scrutiny, both nationally and internationally, it is important that confidence in officiating standards is maintained.

“We therefore call on those responsible for the officiating of Saturday’s match to ensure that the highest standards of decision-making are applied, so that the game is decided by the players on the pitch and the team is given the fair opportunity it has earned.”

McInnes branded the penalty award “disgusting”, while Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou described it as one of the worst decisions he had seen.

The Hearts manager’s frustration was compounded by his belief that his side should have had at least one penalty in a draw at Fir Park on Saturday.

Referee Steven McLean decided against penalising Tawanda Maswanhise after being called to the monitor by video assistant Greg Aitken to review claims of a penalty-box foul on Alexandros Kyziridis.

Hearts also claimed for a penalty after the ball hit Motherwell full-back Emmanuel Longelo’s upper arm.

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And there was controversy in Celtic’s win over Rangers on Sunday when Alistair Johnston escaped with a yellow card for a challenge on Mikey Moore and Benjamin Nygren was ruled not to be interfering with play when standing in an offside position when Yang Hyun-jun equalised.

The Scottish Football Association has announced Don Robertson will take charge of Saturday’s title decider. The video assistant is Kevin Clancy.

Both of the SFA’s VAR specialists, Dallas and Aitken, will be working on the game between Falkirk and Rangers, the only top-six contest with nothing riding on it.