What Jens Berthel Askou said about the controversial Celtic penalty against Motherwell

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou reacts to Celtic penalty decision after 3-1 defeat

Celtic moved to within two points of leaders Heart of Midlothian in the Scottish Premiership after coming from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Motherwell at Celtic Park.

Despite taking the lead during an impressive performance, Motherwell ultimately left Glasgow empty-handed.

The game turned during a key moment in the second half when Celtic were awarded a penalty and Motherwell were reduced to ten men, a decision that proved decisive in the outcome.

After the match, Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou admitted the defeat was painful but acknowledged the impact of the controversial moment.

Askou accepts the decision but says the moment was decisive

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Askou said losing the match was difficult given the effort his players put in.

He explained that Motherwell had shown strong intensity and quality throughout the game, particularly with their pressing, which at times forced Celtic to adjust their approach.

Askou also pointed out that his side’s aggressive approach helped them create their opening goal, but it also left spaces that Celtic were able to exploit later in the match.

While the Motherwell boss did not dispute the referee’s decision, he admitted it was unfortunate that the penalty and red card ended up playing such a decisive role.

According to Askou, the moment changed the dynamic of the match entirely. A penalty offered Celtic a major opportunity to take control, while the sending-off made it extremely difficult for Motherwell to fight their way back into the contest.

Celtic continue title chase

The victory keeps Celtic firmly in the title race, narrowing the gap to Hearts to just two points with several crucial fixtures still to come before the league splits into the top and bottom halves.

Manager Martin O’Neill will now turn his attention to a demanding run of matches. Celtic face a challenging double-header against the Dundee clubs, before welcoming St Mirren to Glasgow.

With momentum building and the title race tightening, the next few weeks could prove decisive in determining whether Celtic can close the gap and mount a successful defence of their Premiership crown. ⚽