Motherwell midfielder Elliot Watt has been issued a four-game ban after pleading guilty to charges concerning remarks made about a refereeing decision. Following a 3-2 loss to Celtic in May, the 26-year-old posted on social media calling a late penalty award the worst VAR ruling ever. The penalty, awarded after a handball by Sam Nicholson, proved decisive in the match.
Watt faced disciplinary action for violating Scottish FA rule 72, which prohibits players from attacking the integrity of officials. Motherwell also received a £5,000 fine for a critical social media statement released after the fixture. While SFA refereeing chief Willie Collum later confirmed the penalty was correct, other figures, including Derek McInnes, have also faced scrutiny for public comments on the matter.
Due to a separate red card received in the final game of the previous season, Watt is facing a total of five domestic matches out. However, he remains eligible to play in Motherwell’s upcoming UEFA Conference League qualifiers against Havnar Boltfelag.
