It is hardly a surprise to learn that Motherwell expressed
disappointment on learning of the four match suspension given to Elliot Watt.
The punishment is by far the most severe issued for a breach of Rule
72. Sanctions for players for public
criticism or inference of bias or incompetence are very rare. Managers are more likely to fall foul of this
rule; Neil Lennon, Brendan Rogers and Steven Gerrard come to mind.
A ban of this length for a social media post is unprecedented.
With a bit of help from AI here is a collection of quotes following the
game in May when Celtic were awarded the controversial penalty.
Elliot Watt (via X)
“The worst VAR decision in history. But a top team performance that
deserved more.”
Jens Berthel Askou (manager)
“I can’t see any paragraph in the rule book that can lead to that being
a penalty.”
“It’s one of the worst decisions
I’ve seen in my career… Even watching it from a distance I was shocked he even
got called to the monitor.”
Motherwell FC (Club Communication / Video Statement)
“As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line
in the sand and shift the focus.”
Derek McInnes (manager of Hearts at the time)
“It’s disgusting. We’re up against everybody. I don’t think it’s a
penalty.”
“Having seen it again, it’s disgusting… It’s so poor that they’ve been
given that penalty and it looks like they’ve been given it.”
Gary Lineker
“This might be the worst VAR decision I’ve ever seen (and there’s a lot
of competition). Extraordinary given the significance.”
Kris Boyd
“It clearly hits his head. If it hits your hand, it just drops down at
your feet… Another dubious call that goes in Celtic’s favour. Questions will be
asked.”
SFA Key Match Incident Panel
Ruled that “Celtic should not have been awarded the spot?kick.” (reported widely)
Gary Neville (Sky Sports / ex?Manchester United)
“That’s never a penalty. VAR has lost the plot. Scotland’s title race
deserved better than that.”
Alan Shearer (Match of the Day)
“It’s a shocking decision. You can’t give that in the 99th minute of a
title?deciding match.”
Micah Richards (BBC / Sky Sports)
“How has that been given? You can’t look at that replay and say it’s a
penalty. Madness.”
Chris Sutton (ex?Celtic striker, pundit)
“It’s never a penalty. Celtic have got away with one there.”
James McFadden (ex?Motherwell, Scotland)
“It’s a terrible decision. You can’t dress it up any other way.”
Tam Cowan (Motherwell fan)
“You could see it wasn’t a penalty from space. VAR must’ve been watching
a different game.”
Ewen Cameron (radio host)
“Scottish football is a circus and VAR is the clown.”
Jonathan Sutherland (BBC Sportscene presenter)
“I don’t know how they’ve come to that conclusion. It’s baffling.”
Jeff Stelling
“Seriously that is never a handball at Fir Park. The boy headed it 20 yards. The ref takes one look after VAR calls him over. Embarrassing for Scottish football.”
