Elliot Watt banned after VAR row as Motherwell face Genk in Conference League

Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt banned for VAR comments

Motherwell’s season starts with a major setback as midfielder Elliot Watt begins a four-match ban for comments made after the club’s controversial 3-2 defeat by Celtic in May. The suspension means Watt will miss the first four domestic games of the new campaign, though he remains available for the upcoming Conference League ties.

The ban follows Watt’s post-match reaction on X, where he labelled the award of a late penalty as “the worst VAR decision in history”. Kelechi Iheanacho converted after referee Nick Walsh ruled Sam Nicholson had handled the ball, sealing Celtic’s win at Fir Park on 13 May. Watt, who had opened the scoring, admitted breaching Scottish FA rule 72 by criticising officials’ decisions.

Why the club was also punished

Motherwell were fined £5,000 and charged with the same breach after publishing a social media video captioned: “As the world of football mocks our game, we simply have to draw a line in the sand and shift the focus.” The club called the outcome “extremely disappointing” and said they would seek written reasons before deciding on further steps.

SFA head of refereeing Willie Collum later confirmed the penalty was correct, while then-Hearts boss Derek McInnes was also cited for calling it “disgusting”. McInnes’ hearing is scheduled for 22 July. Motherwell ended last season in fourth place with 54 points from 33 games, 16 points behind league leaders Hearts.

What comes next for Watt and the Steelmen

Watt’s ban covers domestic fixtures, but he will be available for the Conference League qualifiers against Faroese side Havnar Boltfelag on 23 and 30 July. The midfielder, named in last season’s PFA Premiership team of the year, has already featured in pre-season friendlies and remains in contention for a move to Turkish side Samsunspor.

Motherwell’s next competitive outing is Thursday’s home tie against Genk, with the Steelmen sitting fourth in the Premiership on 54 points after a heavy 4-0 loss to Aarhus on 5 July. Their recent form reads LWWLL, and they sit 16 points adrift of Hearts with 52 goals scored and 29 conceded so far this term.