Motherwell have failed in their bid to cut a £5,000 fine for their furious reaction to a last-gasp penalty decision against Celtic – but former midfielder Elliot Watt has seen his suspension eased.
An independent Scottish FA appeal panel backed the original sanction against the club, imposed after a strongly worded social media post following the dramatic finale to their 3-2 defeat at Fir Park in May.
The flashpoint came deep into stoppage time. Referee John Beaton, after a VAR review, penalised Sam Nicholson for handball. With virtually the final kick, Kelechi Iheanacho buried the penalty, sealing a Celtic win and igniting anger in the home ranks.
Motherwell took that anger online. Their post, which featured a video montage of the incident, carried the stinging line: “as the world of football mocks our game”. The disciplinary panel ruled that crossed the line into improper criticism of match officials, and the appeal body has now agreed.
The club were charged under rules prohibiting comments that suggest “bias or incompetence” from referees. The appeal outcome means the £5,000 fine stands.
Watt, now with Samsunspor in Turkey, was also punished for his response. He called it the “worst VAR decision in history” on his X account and initially received a four-match suspension.
His case has brought a different outcome. The appeal panel has cut the immediate ban to two games, with a further two matches suspended until the end of next season. The warning is clear: any further breach and the rest of the punishment will likely be triggered.
Both club and player were cited under the same regulations on criticism of officials, in a case that has become a touchstone for the Scottish FA’s stance on public attacks over VAR and refereeing.
The fallout has not been confined to Motherwell. Last week, Rangers manager Derek McInnes – Hearts boss at the time of the incident – also had a sanction reduced on appeal. His touchline ban was trimmed from three matches to two after he branded the decision “disgusting” in a television interview and claimed “we are up against everybody”.
The message from the authorities is unmistakable: say what you like in private, but take aim at officials in public and there will be a price to pay.
