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The manager gives his thoughts as his side conceded a controversial late penalty to lose 3-2 to Celtic.

Motherwell suffered heartbreak against Celtic on Wednesday evening, as Celtic snatched a late winner following one of the most controversial refereeing decisions Scottish football has ever seen. 

Elliot Watt gave the hosts the lead before Daizen Maeda popped up with the equaliser. Benjamin Nygren fired Celtic back in front as he found the top corner in the second-half. With Motherwell chasing, Liam Gordon thought he found the goal that would earn his side a deserved point.

But when John Beaton miraculously pointed to the spot, having been to the VAR monitor, Kelechi Iheanacho sent Calum Ward the wrong way from the penalty spot to score the winner with the last kick of the game.

Jens Berthel Askou made some changes to the side. Tom Sparrow was brought in from the start to replace Liam Gordon, with Johnny Koutroumbis earning his first start since January in place of the ineligible Stephen Welsh. Lukas Fadinger returned to action following the birth of his child and took the place of Oscar Priestman.

As Motherwell lined up, looking to re-create that famous night in December against Celtic, the change of shape was clear, with the Steelmen going to a back four.

The Motherwell manager said earlier in the week that Celtic had a lot to lose, and the title-chasers looked for an early lead in the match.

The Steelmen started on the front foot, and Elliot Watt gave them a deserved lead after 18 minutes. Daizen Maeda equalised before the break. Just before the hour mark, Benjamin Nygren had Parkhead in front and heading for three points until ‘Well stormed back. With the visitor’s goal under siege, substitute Liam Gordon drew the sides level with six minutes remaining.

From then until deep into injury time Motherwell looked more likely to find a winner until VAR intervened with 97 minutes on the clock. The referee saw nothing wrong when Sam Nicholson and Auston Trusty challenged a high ball in the home box. But after checking the monitor, John Beaton adjudged Nicholson’s elbow caught the Celtic defender, and literally with the last kick of the ball, Kelechi Iheanacho sent Calum Ward the wrong way from the penalty spot to provide Celtic with three points that appeared well beyond them.

For the second time in five days Fir Park was packed to capacity and rocking in anticipation of another epic match with so much at stake for both teams.

With Stephen Welsh unable to face his parent club and Paul McGinn out injured, Jens Berthal Askou was forced into rejigging his defensive line-up.

Johnny Koutroumbis came in to form a central partnership with Stephen O’Donnell, with Tom Sparrow recalled to the right side. Following his paternity leave, Lukas Fadinger returned to the midfield with Oscar Priestman joining Liam Gordon on the bench.

Motherwell started on the front foot, and Watt’s cross almost found O’Donnell at the back of the six-yard box. Callum Slattery then had an attempt from 20 yards, but the ball sailed over the bar.

After 18 minutes the Fir Park side made the breakthrough. Watt’s sweeping pass found Sparrow on the right touchline. He did well to control the ball before whipping it into the six-yard box. Although Auston Trusty got his head to the ball, he could only direct it to the edge of the box, where Watt’s left foot sent it back towards the Celtic goal, bouncing past the diving Viljami Sinisalo to put Motherwell one up.

That stunned the Parkhead side, and their huge support was silenced. It was nearly worse when another Sparrow cross found Tawanda Maswanhise, but he couldn’t get any power or direction in his header.

Celtic looked devoid of ideas in trying to break down the home side, and when they finally got into the box after 34 minutes, Daizen Maeda dragged the ball across goal and well wide of target.

Similar to the Hearts game, Motherwell appeared to be heading to a half-time lead when Martin O’Neill’s men grabbed the equaliser.

Slattery had a chance to shoot from the edge of the Celtic box before losing possession. As the visitors raced to the other end, the well-rounded midfielder tried to redeem himself. But this time when the ball was fed through to Maeda, the Japan international’s low drive across Ward hit the base of the keeper’s left-hand post before rolling into the net to even things up for the second half.

That equaliser gave Celtic a lift, and they started the second half with more intent. It was the Steelmen who should have regained the lead five minutes after the restart.

Slattery’s measures split the Celtic defence, allowing Just to run through on goal. But with the ball on his favoured left foot, he decided to check inside, allowing Trusty time to recover.

Four minutes in, there were loud appeals for a penalty after Slattery raced into the box but seemed to lose his footing as he skipped past a couple of defenders as John Beaton waved play on.

Motherwell’s early pressure on the visitor’s goal counted for nothing when Celtic took the lead in the 57th minute. There seemed little danger as Celtic had possession at the edge of the home box until Hynjun Yang laid the ball back to Nygren, and from 25 yards, his left-foot shot flew high into Ward’s top corner.

Celtic then pressed for another goal to tie up the three points they desperately needed to keep in touch with Hearts.

The Fir Park men were still striving to create openings, and after 67 minutes Maswanhise’s run into the box and pass ended with Slattery firing the ball over the bar. That was his last piece of action as he made way for the introduction of Regan Charles-Cook.

In the 79th minute, the Celtic goal had a narrow escape. Watt’s deflected shot smacked off the face of the crossbar, with Sinisalo ending up in the net. The keeper recovered to prevent Maswanhise’s header from the rebound crossing his goal line as Celtic fans breathed a sigh of relief.

The Celtic keeper then produced a great diving save to push away Just’s fierce drive, but the pressure remained on his goal. And six minutes from time, Motherwell deservedly found the equaliser.

Twice Sinisalo blocked Maswanhise’s attempts at goal, but when his second shot rebounded to Liam Gordon, with virtually his first touch he thumped the ball into the net from eight yards to once again stun Celtic.

After that, only one team looked like finding a winner until seven minutes into additional time when once again VAR intervened to punish the Steelmen. There were no claims for a penalty as Sam Nicholson and Trusty challenged a high ball in the home box, and the referee was happy to award a throw-in.

However, after a long discussion with the VAR team, John Beaton was instructed to review the incident on the touchline monitor. There was only one outcome and a penalty, penalising Nicholson for handball.

With the last kick of the game and 98 minutes on the clock, Iheanacho rolled the ball into the corner of Ward’s net for three points with Motherwell left questioning the decision.

Motherwell Team: Ward, Sparrow, Koutroumbis, O’Donnell, Longelo, Watt, Fadinger, Slattery, Said, Just, Maswanhise. 

Motherwell Subs: Connelly, Gordon, Thomson, Ross, Booth, Priestman, Nicholson, Charles-Cook, Hendry.

Introducing our 140th anniversary kit.

You can buy the new kit ONLINE NOW.

The kit will be available in-store from 9:30am on Thursday 14 May.

As we celebrate 140 years of Motherwell Football Club, this kit is designed purely with the steps our club has taken from its inception to now in mind.

130 years ago, Motherwell played their first match at Fir Park against tonight’s opponents, Celtic, in 1895. And this evening, the players unveil the anniversary kit for the first time on the pitch.

The top and socks are one colour, petrol blue. Although claret and amber are our traditional colours in present times, petrol blue was where we started. Until 1913, our home colours were petrol blue, and we are bringing those early years into present times.

Whilst the first-team are wearing sponsors on their kit this evening against Celtic, all retail tops will have no sponsors on tops or shorts.

When it comes to the final details, the label has a special nod to the 140th anniversary.

One final curtain call. The last dance before bringing the curtain down on a remarkable tenure in the women’ game. Captain Gill Inglis will adorn the claret and amber shirt for the final time this weekend after announcing her retirement following a decorated career with the women of steel.

After almost two decades in the Scottish top-flight, seven consecutive campaigns captaining Motherwell, the highest league position in the history of the club, and two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances – the skipper will depart ML1 after being at the forefront of an historical progression of women’s football at the club.

A tough decision for the 35-year-old that took a lot of consideration, but ultimately felt fitting to coincide with the 140th anniversary of Motherwell Football Club, and exciting changes to her personal life following the birth of her son, baby Louie.

“It’s probably a strange mix of emotions all hitting at once,” Inglis said.

“On one hand, I’m looking forward finishing because I’ve always known this would be my final season, but at the same time, it’s quite surreal to think that something I’ve done every day for decades is suddenly about to end forever.

“It definitely wasn’t an easy decision as my love for the game is as strong as ever.

“I think when you’ve been involved in the game as long as I have, there comes a point where you just know in yourself that the time is right. Football has given me so much and I’ve loved every minute, but physically and mentally, I feel this is the right moment to step away.

“I’ve always said, I wanted to leave the game on my own terms, rather than letting the game make the decisions for me and I’m delighted I’ve been able to do that.

“Now it’s about spending more time with family, looking forward to the next chapter and leaving with gratitude for everyone who’s supported me on this journey.”

Gill Inglis had led the women of steel to several historical moments in the club’s history. A long-awaited top-six finish in the Scottish Power Women’s Premier League cemented the highest recorded league position in the history of the club.

Leading the team onto the Hampden Park turf for the first domestic women’s match at the National Stadium before securing yet another appearance in the Scottish Cup Semi-Final last season.

“Being involved in some of the club’s biggest moments is something I’ll always cherish forever,” Inglis added.

“They’ve given me memories that will stay with me for life. What makes it even more special is being able to do it with an incredible group of teammates and staff.

“I feel grateful to have been part of these moments and for my former Head Coach Paul Brownlie to put his trust in me to captain the team at these times has made it even more special.”

“It’s difficult to pick just one memory, but probably my proudest moment was leading the team out at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup Semi Final. It was the first time the women’s Semi-Final had been played at the National Stadium, and to have so many friends and family in the stand watching was really special.
“My 92-year old Gran even made it along to watch me. It’s somewhere I didn’t ever think I’d get the chance to play at, but I’m incredibly grateful and proud that I did.”

As one chapter closes, another exciting one opens, with Inglis trading football for Motherhood, as she welcomes the birth of her son, Louie. After already inspiring countless young footballers throughout her career, Inglis is excited to add another important addition to that list.

“I think becoming a Mum to Louie has definitely helped put things into perspective and probably made the decision easier in some ways,” Inglis explained.

“Football has always been such a huge part of my life for so long, but having a family has changed my priorities. I feel ready for the next chapter in my life, and I’m excited to spend more time as a family and be present for things that football has made difficult in the past.

“I’m really looking forward to it! If Louie ends up liking football, I’ll be so proud to watch him enjoy himself and grow in confidence. It will definitely feel strange swapping the pitch for the sidelines after so many years but I’m looking forward to it.

Being part of the transformational development of women’s football in Scotland, Inglis has witnessed a seismic change in the professionalism of the game.

“I’m incredibly proud [of being part of that development],” Inglis noted.

“When I first started playing, the women’s game in Scotland was in a very different place to where it is now. The opportunities, visibility and support around the game has grown massively and it’s been amazing to witness that progression first-hand.

“The league is more competitive and the professionalism of the game has grown. Young girls coming through now have opportunities that I could only have dreamed of when I was younger.”

With Gill set to take to the pitch for the final time this weekend, as Motherwell welcome Aberdeen to the Ross Commercial Finance Stadium at K-Park, the skipper will leave this message for the players, staff and supporters, who have played a part in her incredible career.

“I’d like to thank my family,” Inglis said.

“They’ve been there through everything. My Dad took me to training when I was younger and coached my team. He played a huge part in me being so passionate about the game.

“Looking back now, I realise just how much time, effort and sacrifice that takes. Without their support and belief in me, I wouldn’t have gone on to play the game for so long.

“I’d also like to thank every teammate, coach and member of staff that I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. They’ve had a huge impact on me and helped shape me as a player and a person. I’ve been so lucky to work with some incredible people.”

“Thank you for everything, Football.”

Paul McGinn’s last message of the 2025/26 season to the Motherwell FC fanbase. 

What a season it has been. So many memorable moments and a few lows, but for the most part, it’s been one of my most enjoyable seasons in my career to date. For me, I’m just so glad we’ve managed to implement this new style and approach and have some success because of it.

It’s been a journey, that’s for sure. I still remember watching Calum Ward getting lobbed from almost the halfway line and thinking, ‘This could be a long season!’ We knew there would be hard times and that this process was going to take time, but at the Hertha Berlin friendly before the Premiership started, you could really feel the system working.

From there, I think in every game we’ve not only been competitive, but we’ve also been strong. The praise has obviously been there from people on the outside, but here in the building, we’ve managed to keep a lid on things, and the boys have stuck to the task all season.

It’s been a great group of players to work with, and I know sometimes you may wonder how true that is. But with all the success and praise we’ve received, it would be easier for boys to get arrogant, or their egos could maybe grow. There’s been none of that, and if this team can secure European football, it would be a worthy reward for their endeavour.

There’s been some real progress on the pitch, but off it things have been moving forward too. There’s a lot of excitement about the club and where it’s going, but the most important thing is we have a clear strategy that supporters have bought into. As a fan-owned club, the relationship needs to be strong between the team and the fans.

We’ve shown this season what can be achieved when we’re all aligned. Since joining in 2022, I’ve watched this club grow. The pride in being captain of this club never wears off, and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their backing, whether that’s been in the stadiums, home or away, or if you’re following from afar.

In this day and age, it’s not easy to follow a football team. Living costs are forever growing, and the money to buy tickets, strips, memberships or club-related gifts can be difficult to part with. Your support doesn’t go unrecognised, and with season tickets on sale, I hope those who can are able to purchase one for next season and the next chapter.

I hope the boys can finish the job and the season strongly. 2025/26 will be remembered by everyone of a Motherwell persuasion for a long time to come.

Best wishes and enjoy the summer break. I’ll see you all back here very soon.

Paul McGinn
Captain

A message from Jens Berthel Askou ahead of our final home match of the season.

Who Wants This Season To End?

Welcome to the final game at Fir Park in a season that has been full of wonderful moments and memorable performances. Playing against the defending champions tonight in a game that could seal our league position at 4th with a ticket to European football is the perfect way to unite everyone at Motherwell FC for a conclusion.

“We’ve also been working hard to implement a new approach — something I believe many of you have already noticed. There’s still plenty of work to be done, but our recent performances have been promising. If we can reach our best level, we’re confident we can compete with anyone on the day.

“I hope you’ll be with us, lifting the team from the stands, helping us build momentum, and pushing us through the tough moments.”

These were some of the words in my very first match day programme notes. I think it’s fair to say that the work never stops, and we have many things still to improve and develop to keep progressing. But the feeling we had early on about our approach has turned out to be more right than wrong, and today will be another day of many this season for us to demonstrate our ability to compete with the best. Not just on the day. But also over the course of a season.

On behalf of all the staff and the players, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support we’ve experienced from day one. It has been a remarkable journey with all of you, and I can’t explain how much we’ve enjoyed sharing all of the excitement with you.

There is still one more job to do here at Fir Park before the curtain falls. Half a lifetime ago it feels we took on a different Celtic team in one of the most exciting games at Fir Park this season. There isn’t much we can take from that game, since Celtic is a very different opponent now. Having played two other very intense and entertaining games against them this season, we do feel that there has been an opportunity for us to win them all if we had taken it. However, Celtic were the better team at exactly that. Hopefully tonight that will be us.

Thank you to everyone for a fantastic season at Fir Park. Let’s finish it off in style.

Enjoy the game!
Jens Berthel Askou

Liam Gordon was delighted to get back out on the pitch as he put in a brilliant display against Hearts on Saturday night. Now looking forward to the final home game of the season, Gordon is fully focused on picking up more points in front of the Fir Park faithful as the Steelmen look to secure European football next season.

Clinching European football is of the highest importance to Gordon but he wants the team to secure it on their terms and not have to wait on results elsewhere.

Manager Jens Berthel Askou was thrilled to see Fir Park hold its highest attendance since 2005 on Saturday night, and is hoping for the perfect Fir Park send off for the class of 2025/26 on home soil.

Askou says the players know what is at stake and everyone is ready to face one of league’s toughest opponents.

Captain Gill Inglis will retire from football at the end of the 2025/26 Scottish Power Women’s Premier League campaign.

After almost two decades in the Scottish top-flight, seven consecutive campaigns captaining Motherwell, the highest league position in the history of the club, and two Scottish Cup Semi-Final appearances – the skipper will depart ML1 after being at the forefront of an historical progression of women’s football at the club.

A tough decision for the 35-year-old that took a lot of consideration, but ultimately felt fitting to coincide with the 140^thanniversary of Motherwell Football Club, and exciting changes to her personal life following the birth of her son, baby Louie.

“It’s probably a strange mix of emotions all hitting at once,” Inglis said.

“On one hand, I’m looking forward finishing because I’ve always known this would be my final season, but at the same time, it’s quite surreal to think that something I’ve done every day for decades is suddenly about to end forever.

“It definitely wasn’t an easy decision as my love for the game is as strong as ever.

“I think when you’ve been involved in the game as long as I have, there comes a point where you just know in yourself that the time is right. Football has given me so much and I’ve loved every minute, but physically and mentally, I feel this is the right moment to step away.

“I’d also like to thank every teammate, coach and member of staff that I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. They’ve had a huge impact on me and helped shape me as a player and a person. I’ve been so lucky to work with some incredible people.”

“Thank you for everything, Football.”

Head Coach, Iain Robinson thanked Gill for her efforts at Motherwell, and for being a key figure in the development of women’s football at the club.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Gill,” Robinson added.

“She has been such an important character for both David and myself coming to the football club. Gill is an experienced professional, who has supported countless young players early development, and shaped their first steps in the women’s game.

“Coming to the club with our ideas for football, Gill has been such an important part in supporting our style of play, and getting our message across to the group.

“She will be sorely missed by everyone at the club, but we wish her nothing but the best in her retirement with her family, and latest new addition, Louie.”

Sky Sports have confirmed that they will now be showing our match against Celtic live.

The broadcaster initially intended to just show goals from the match at Fir Park during their main coverage of Hearts v Falkirk at Tynecastle.

Sky Sports informed us this evening of their intention to show our match live on their platform.

The match will still be shown live on our PPV streaming platform. If you wish to purchase and watch the match on MFC TV, you can purchase your pass online by clicking here.