Ex-FIFA official expects SFA to charge Derek McInnes for comments on Celtic controversy last night

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(Credit: Imago) SFA to charge Derek McInnes for Celtic comments after Hearts win vs Falkirk Thu 14 May 2026 8:41, UK Derek McInnes is likely to be investigated and charged by the Scottish FA for his comments aimed at John Beaton after Celtic‘s win against Motherwell.That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that the Hearts manager’s comments call into question the competence and integrity of the match official.McInnes was left fuming after a 97th-minute penalty saw Celtic keep pace with his team in the title race ahead of a final-day clash between the two sides.Hearts won their game against Falkirk 3-0, meaning a draw for Celtic against Motherwell would have left them three points short and on worse goal-difference.However, a controversial penalty saw the Hoops take all three points, and McInnes has labelled the decision “disgusting” as he insisted Celtic were “very fortunate”. ⚽ Celtic Matchday ⚽ >Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Hoops fixture. VISIT THE CELTIC MATCH HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Derek McInnes now be charged by the SFA?McInnes was not the only one left fuming at Beaton, as Football Insider reported ex-Hearts star Ryan Stevenson labelled the decision “a disgrace” live on air.However, the Hearts manager may not get away with his comments given their harsh nature, with the SFA set to look into the quotes following the game.League TableHearts Before PenaltyCeltic Before PenaltyHearts After PenaltyCeltic After PenaltyPosition1st2nd1st2ndPoints80798079Points DifferenceN/A-3N/A-1Goal DifferenceN/A-6N/A-5Celtic closed the gaps to Hearts after a late penalty vs Motherwell.“The statement calls into question the competence and integrity of the match official,” Hackett told Football Insider, “I expect the SFA to investigate, and then to charge Derek McInnes.”Replays showed the boss may have been right to be left raging, but whether or not the penalty decision was correct, he will likely be charged for what he has said.His words suggested that Celtic were bound to be given the penalty as soon as the referee was sent to the monitor, insisting his side are “up against everybody”.Speaking to reporters following the game, the Hearts manager ranted: “When they’re checking a 96th-minute penalty, you assume they are getting it.

We’re up against everybody. They are very fortunate.”Refereeing error sets up final-day Celtic vs Hearts showdownReplays of the penalty decision did not clearly show that the ball had hit the Motherwell defender’s hand, with the direction of the ball’s travel leading to questions.However, Beaton’s decision to award a penalty to Celtic cannot be reversed now, and both clubs will be forced to play the hands they have been dealt.🗣️ “I think it’s disgusting.

I don’t think it’s a penalty kick."🏆 “What a game it is going to be."Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes Celtic were “very fortunate” to be awarded a late penalty, which has set up a final-day title decider, live on Sky Sports ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/9fqxgGCpgg— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) May 13, 2026 View Tweet Should Celtic have not been awarded the controversial penalty, they would have been left three points shy of Hearts and with a mountain to climb on the final day.That was not the only error, albeit an apparently significant one, as Football Insider revealed Beaton made at least three errors, leaving both managers fuming.McInnes’ Hearts side will now face a visit to Celtic park knowing that a point will win them the title, but Celtic’s run of form will give the hosts confidence.