Celtic kept their composure to secure a valuable victory over Motherwell at the weekend, and the result has injected even more life into what is becoming a gripping Scottish Premiership title race.
The Hoops’ 3-1 comeback win came at a crucial moment in the campaign. Earlier in the weekend, league leaders Hearts suffered a surprise setback away to Kilmarnock, where Neil McCann’s side edged a narrow 1-0 victory. That result opened the door for Celtic to close the gap at the top of the table and keep the pressure firmly on as the season moves toward its decisive stage.
However, the pressure remains just as intense behind them. Rangers ensured they stayed right in the hunt after grinding out a 1-0 win away at St Mirren in Paisley. Danny Röhl’s side may not have dazzled, but the three points ensured the title race remains incredibly tight heading into the final stretch of the season, with all three clubs still believing they can finish the job.
For Celtic, though, the afternoon against Motherwell didn’t start as smoothly as supporters might have hoped.
The visitors stunned the home crowd by taking the lead early in the match, and for a brief period it felt like it could turn into one of those frustrating afternoons where Celtic dominate possession but struggle to break through. Motherwell looked organised defensively and dangerous on the counterattack, which only added to the tension building among the Hoops supporters.
Yet just when it seemed like Celtic might head into the break trailing, Yang stepped up with a moment of real quality.
As the first half approached its conclusion, the winger found space on the edge of the area and drilled a low finish into the bottom corner to bring Celtic level before the interval. The goal proved to be a massive turning point in the match, lifting the atmosphere inside the stadium and giving the Hoops a crucial boost heading into halftime.
Whatever was said in the dressing room clearly worked.
Celtic returned to the pitch with far greater intensity and purpose. Their pressing improved, the tempo increased, and Motherwell suddenly found themselves pushed deeper and deeper into their own half. The Hoops began creating more chances and it started to feel inevitable that another goal would arrive.
That pressure eventually paid off when Celtic were awarded a penalty.
Daizen Maeda was bundled over inside the box during a chaotic attacking move, right in front of referee John Beaton. Surprisingly, the official initially waved play on despite appearing to have a clear view of the challenge.
The decision immediately sparked frustration among Celtic players and supporters, with many believing the foul was obvious in real time.
Following a check from VAR, Beaton was instructed to review the incident on the pitchside monitor. After watching the replay for close to a minute, the referee eventually pointed to the spot and Celtic were given the opportunity they had been pushing for.
While there was little debate about the final outcome of the decision, the process itself quickly became a talking point after the match.
Former Rangers striker and Sky Sports pundit Kris Boyd admitted he had concerns about why such a clear incident required intervention from VAR in the first place.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Boydy said:
“For me, I think it is a red card, but the worry for me would be the referees. John Beaton is one of our experienced referees; he shouldn’t need to go to VAR. That’s a clear penalty all day long. You can see that straight away, it’s a clear penalty kick, no doubt about it.”
Boyd’s comments highlight a wider debate that has surrounded refereeing standards in the Scottish Premiership throughout the season. While VAR was introduced to eliminate obvious mistakes, critics often argue that officials should still be capable of spotting clear fouls without needing assistance from technology.
In this case, though, Celtic will ultimately feel the system worked in their favour.
The penalty decision shifted the momentum firmly in their direction, allowing the Hoops to complete the comeback and secure an important victory. With Hearts slipping up and Rangers continuing to pick up narrow wins of their own, the result ensures the title race remains finely poised.
If recent weeks are anything to go by, the battle for the Scottish Premiership trophy looks set to deliver plenty more twists and drama before the season finally reaches its conclusion.