Motherwell

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Former referee Steve Conroy thinks it is "mission creep" with VAR in Scottish football before new changes to the laws for the upcoming World Cup.

VAR was introduced in Scotland almost four years ago but has frequently been criticised by fans, players, managers and former players.

Now there could be more changes to the scope of technology as football's law-making body the International Football Association Board (Ifab) backed plans to increase the powers of VAR.

For this summer's World Cup in America, VAR will be allowed to intervene on second yellow cards and the awarding of corners, provided the process doesn't slow down the flow of play.

Ifab has also expanded the countdown rule around goalkeepers where they have eight seconds to release the ball from their hands to include goal kicks and throw-ins.

But former referee Conroy thinks involving the technology in more decision-making is bad news for the game.

"It's inescapable that there is more and more mission creep with VAR," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"The authorities seem hell-bent on using it more and more and relying on it and I think that is to the detriment of football.

"I know Ifab are talking about getting them involved for corners and second yellows and all that sort of stuff. As [Celtic interim manager] Martin O'Neill said, soon enough we'll just referee from a port-a-cabin somewhere.

"And this is all happening at the same time as every football supporter survey tells you that they just want it binned."

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Aston Oxborough has rejoined Dunfermline to resume his loan spell from Motherwell until the end of the season.

The goalkeeper, 27, moved to the Pars last month and made four appearances - including the Scottish Cup win over Aberdeen - before being recalled by his parent club last week following an injury to Matty Connelly.

Connelly has now recovered, allowing Oxborough to return to East End Park as the Pars eye promotion to the Premiership and a place in the Scottish Cup final.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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While the league title could be out of their reach this season, Jens Berthel Askou's Motherwell continue to top the charts in other departments.

After Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Celtic, Motherwell are 10 points behind Hearts at the top of the Premiership with eight games to play, five of them after the split.

But when all is said and done there can be no doubt this has been an outstanding season for the Steelmen.

And three members of Jens Berthel Askou's team are top of the table for individual achievements.

Top league scorer - Tawanda Maswanhise (16 goals)

Maswanhise joined Motherwell in summer 2024 on a short-term deal but by October he was already signed up until the end of 2026.

He netted six goals in 34 appearances across all competitions last term and has blown that number out the water this term with 21 in 36.

His 16 goals in the league is the highest of any Premiership player. Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren is next on 15 while Hearts striker Claudio Braga is on 12.

Most league assists (8) - Callum Slattery

While Motherwell fans could debate for hours who has been their player of the season, Slattery's name would surely be in the conversation.

The 27-year-old missed over a month with a knee injury at the start of the campaign but since his return has been an ever-present in Askou's side.

He has set up 10 goals in 36 games across all competitions so far, eight of those have come in the league. No player in Scotland's top division has more assists than the Motherwell midfielder.

Falkirk's Calvin Miller, Dundee's Cameron Congreve and Celtic's Kieran Tierney are all on seven.

Most league clean sheets (16) - Calum Ward

Between the sticks, Ward has been an important part of Motherwell's success.

Having overcome a shaky start as he adjusted to Askou's bold possession-based style, the 25-year-old has helped Motherwell to a club record 21 clean sheets in all competitions (he featured in 19 of those matches).

Ward's 16 league clean sheets is the most of any Premiership goalkeeper, with Hearts' Alexander Schwolow second on 12.

Ward has made 86 saves and has a save percentage of almost 80%, the most of any goalkeeper who has played more than five matches this term.

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Despite back-to-back defeats silencing talk of a Scottish Premiership title push, Jens Berthel Askou's Motherwell approach continues to generate intrigue.

A sitdown interview with Open Goal, external, along with an access-all-areas feature in The Athletic, external, has provided further insight into how the Danish coach works.

Here are three key takeaways:

What is Askou's system?

The Dane's asymmetric 4-2-2-2 formation demands short, incisive passing, aided by players constantly rotating and making forward runs.

Aggressive counter-pressing and a deliberate choice not to contest first balls in defence have contributed to Motherwell having the best defence in the league, while they are also among the best sides in Europe for regaining possession.

Askou's bible and blame-free coaching

The 43-year-old Askou fights against "blame culture" and has made his players - such as Scottish football veterans Paul McGinn and Stephen O'Donnell - feel "free" by accepting errors to ensure they do not fear taking risks.

He has a "football bible" comprising more than 300 slides detailing his game model, from pressing and playing against 10 men to defending against goal kicks.

Bodo/Glimt inspiration

The Well boss delivered a presentation highlighting the rise of Bodo/Glimt.

Askou even predicted Bodo/Glimt's remarkable Champions League win over Manchester City in January and hoped his players would be inspired and motivated by the modest Norwegian club's extraordinary success.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

That'll be the title dream over then.

If we are being honest, Motherwell were never truly in the race. The idea of the title-chasing Steelmen was a dream and a running joke that went too far.

However, it is difficult to shake off grievances with the refereeing from our defeat at Celtic Park.

Emmanuel Longelo should never have been sent off - it is a harsh penalty - and Celtic's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ought to have been red-carded for his studs-up tackle on Elijah Just.

Jens Berthel Askou rightly called it out post match, saying Oxlade-Chamberlain could have ruined Just's World Cup chances with that challenge.

To go 1-0 up at Parkhead and leave with a 3-1 defeat is a sore one to stomach. However, it is our first back-to-back defeats since October.

The focus now must be on ensuring we hang on to fourth place, with Hibs lurking six points below. Hearts also dropping points proves it is not over until the fat lady sings.

Watch highlights from Celtic's 3-1 Scottish Premiership victory over Motherwell on Saturday.

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We asked you Motherwell fans for your opinions on the 3-1 loss to Celtic. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Mark: Scottish refs really know how to ruin matches. We played excellent once again but stupid decisions cost us. I have full trust in Jens Berthel Askou but Scottish VAR? No chance!

Allan: An 'Old Firm' penalty, but Well lost a bit of sharpness in their passing second half. Disappointing result but we're still a great watch. Hope we finish the season strongly.

Alan: A good effort and great start. Level of possession was good but a little lacking in the finishing department - Just's goal was excellent however. The determination to perform is still high so let's move on for next game and even greater heights than expected at the start of the season.

Stuart: The fact that Celtic managed to win a soft penalty and maintain 11 men on the park is a clear sign of substandard officiating. Daizen Maeda lifting his hands twice and then going on to get a penalty where he initiated contact says it all. Honking from John Beaton and the VAR team.

James: I hope this is not the start of a collapse. Still pleasing on the eye, and I wouldn't change it. Please start winning again, we deserve a good finish to the season.

Crawford: Parkhead was always going to be big ask, but we shot ourselves in the foot dithering in our own box. Beaton's ridiculous interpretation of the red card rule has effectively removed us from the League and the Cup. Some excellent build-up play with no end result, we badly need to give Tawanda Maswanhise an effective strike partner.

David: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been sent off, if not for his challenge on Just, certainly for bringing down Said on edge of box. Maeda should also have been sent off for elbowing Ibrahim Said. Two hands on Maswanhise's back and clear push, no VAR review. Then Maeda instigates the tussle with Emmanuel Longelo and penalty given with red card, it's ridiculous beyond belief.

Susan: Two hugely important home games next and then a visit to Gorgie against a team who are on the ropes. Let's fight for European football.

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Celtic came from behind to snatch a thrilling Scottish Premiership victory over 10-man Motherwell to keep the pressure on league leaders Hearts.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: "Of course it hurts. We hate losing, love winning and now we have got nothing out of the last two games even though we have put a lot in.

"The tempo was really high at times, some of the quality in the build-up was really good and our pressing was at times extremely good and it made them change their strategies.

"We got a goal from it and our bravery gave them some opportunities to punish us, which they were able to do.

"It could go both ways and I would have hoped it would not be that kind of moment or incident that tipped the game to one of the sides. I think it was a shame that [the penalty and red card] decided the game.

"It's a penalty, which is a big chance, and a red card which makes it difficult to get back into the game and get a result."

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Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney returns, but Callum McGregor remains out with a calf strain and Kasper Schmeichel's availability remains unclear after a shoulder issue.

Auston Trusty completes a three-match league suspension, while Arne Engels (leg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand (both hamstring) are still out.

Motherwell are without on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh and Regan Charles-Cook drops out with an injury, but Lukas Fadinger has shaken off a facial injury.

Johnny Koutroumbis (calf), Callum Hendry (groin) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) remain out.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell defender Stephen O'Donnell believes the squad is capable of a strong finish to the Premiership season but will be "disappointed" if they don't achieve a European place after an impressive campaign to date.

Jens Berthel Askou's side travel to face Celtic on Saturday in fourth place, five points behind Martin O'Neill's men who lie second, off the back of just their fourth league defeat of the campaign having succumbed 2-1 to Dundee last weekend.

Despite that, and now facing top-six teams in each of their final nine league fixtures, O'Donnell is adamant belief remains intact.

"It wouldn't have dented confidence, but it did hurt," the Scotland international conceded when reflecting on that loss.

"I think it had been a long time that we hadn't lost [in the league]. It's just so important that we do react.

"If we don't end with anything, finishing in Europe now, at this stage would be obviously disappointing, because we've done so well through the season.

"The three [teams] above aren't going to make it easy.

"It's all to play for. I think the remaining games we've got certainly a hard run-in, but we've played these teams before, and we'll compete.

"We are striving along with the manager for perfection, for wins every week and clean sheets. We want that, but it obviously isn't always possible and we'll do everything we can on Saturday to get something."

Motherwell defeated Celtic in their last meeting, a comprehensive 2-0 win over a side then led by Wilfried Nancy. They narrowly lost on their earlier visit to Celtic Park when Brendan Rodgers was in charge having led late in the game until playing out from the back handed their opponents an equaliser.

O'Donnell pinpoints that match as one that really helped galvanise squad belief in Askou's approach.

"The goalkeeping pass from Calum [Ward], it's as if, 'He's hopeless, he shouldn't be playing,'" O'Donnell explained.

"It's like a narrative that then gets spun from individuals.

"The gaffer's calm, 'I ask him to play like that.' That's the things that get you belief and get the players buying into you because you don't try and throw us under the bus when things don't go well.

"We're confident, we're not over-confident. I'm not any more confident in my ability as a footballer. I'm not any quicker, I'm not any better on the ball, but I've got a belief that the manager has given us and I think we're capable of delivering that.

"He believes we are all part of the club. He doesn't really look at individuals so much, it's about what we can bring for the team. That's part of why you buy into what he sells, because he believes in it, he's passionate about it, and he gives you the information to go and try and deliver it.

"We're delighted the wins have come and put us in the position we are."

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Andy Halliday is predicting a "cracker" of a game when Motherwell visit Parkhead on Saturday and says Celtic's defensive display against Rangers last weekend was an "anomaly".

Celtic managed just one shot throughout the 120 minutes at Ibrox but still progressed to the Scottish Cup semi-final with a penalty shootout victory.

But Motherwell midfielder Halliday is braced for a much more attacking performance when the Steelmen head to the home of the reigning champions.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he said: "I think last week was an anomaly. I've not really seen Celtic play that style, domestically, for as long as I can remember.

"You've got to give them credit for it because it resulted in them getting the job done, winning the penalty shootout and getting through to the next round.

"I'd imagine the injuries played their part. Callum McGregor is such a huge part of what Celtic do on the ball.

"There's still huge question marks, regardless of injuries, about what Martin O'Neill's best team could possibly be.

"I can't see that being the case at Celtic Park. I think they'll have a gameplan to try to dominate the way they can and impose their style of play on Motherwell.

"That being said, Motherwell will have the exact same approach so I think it's going to be a cracker for everyone to watch."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before the trip to face Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• The Danish boss expects a Celtic side more akin to the one he faced in the 3-2 away defeat when Brendan Rodgers was in charge, as opposed to the Wilfried Nancy team Motherwell defeated 2-0 at home.

• He adds: "Martin [O'Neill] and the rest of the staff have done well in terms of trying to get them back on track in a very hectic time. Some of the things they're doing are very similar to what they were used to when Brendan was there, with a few minor things adjusted."

• He revealed his excitement heading into this test as the climax to the season draws near: "I expect it to be a great game of football that I can't wait to be part of to experience from the sideline."

• The Premiership manager of the month believes his players' confidence has grown over the season, meaning he doesn't "have to show them any inspirational video of a team three years ago going to Celtic and beating them, that anything can happen in football." He adds: "They know that we're here to compete and we can win if we find our best level."

• Askou conceded the Premiership run-in will be Motherwell's toughest spell of the campaign facing top-six sides from now until the end of the season.

• He adds: "I think it's very likely that no team is going to go unbeaten. We've both lost and drawn and won against all the opponents we're going to face now. It is likely that that's going to happen as well."

• He wants Motherwell to be "up there fighting for the top positions" and says: "I really hope that the next nine games we play will be the strongest nine games, nine performances that we've had in the season."

• The Fir Park side are off the back of a rare league defeat having fallen 2-1 away to Dundee last weekend. Askou preferred to focus on the performance than the outcome: "We don't have to react. We're doing something that is constant. We have to deal with the emotions that come from a defeat but looking at the performance, it was similar to many of our other performances this season."

• Regan Charles-Cook suffered a small injury against Dundee and will be out for a few weeks. Matthew Connelly had a knock in training, prompting the return of Aston Oxborough from his Dunfermline loan but the hope is he can go back to the Pars after this weekend. Stephen Welsh cannot feature against his parent club.

Is Hearts boss Derek McInnes a more deserving candidate for manager of the year than Motherwell's Jens Berthel Askou?

Both were appointed last summer and both have their teams achieving far beyond expectations.

McInnes has Hearts on course for their first top-flight crown in 66 years while Askou's fourth-place Motherwell have an outside chance of the title and have won plaudits for their bold style of play and rock-solid defence.

The Dane has a win rate of over 48% and a points per game of 1.2 while his Motherwell side have scored 48 goals and conceded 20 (the fewest in the division). The Steelmen have won 14 league games, 10 of those victories have come at Fir Park.

Hearts are five points clear at the top with a win rate of over 65% and a points per game of 2.2. His Hearts side have scored 52 goals, conceded 24 and won 19 games - 11 at home, where they remain unbeaten.

And former Hearts midfielder Ryan Stevenson feels suggestions of anyone other than McInnes as manager of the year are well wide of the mark.

"It really annoys me the fact that people even just now will talk about the Motherwell manager as being manager of the season," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I think it's absolutely outrageous.

"Jamestown's been brilliant, I get that. But if you've not got a guy there that can lead players, that can coach them, that can put an arm round them when they need it, or know when they need a kick up the backside, it's pretty pointless. And that's what Derek is.

"He's a tremendous man-manager. He's a tremendous tactical manager as well. People just don't give him credit where it's due.

"And don't be kidded, one of the main reasons that Hearts are where they are so early in this Tony Bloom era is 100% down to Derek McInnes."

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• Celtic have only lost one of their past 31 home games against Motherwell in all competitions (W26 D4), going unbeaten in their last 17 (W15 D2) since a 2-1 league defeat in December 2015.

• After their 2-0 win in December, Motherwell are looking for back-to-back league victories over Celtic for the first time since April 2013 under Stuart McCall.

• After their 2-1 defeat at Dundee last time out, Motherwell could suffer back-to-back league defeats for just a second time this season; the previous occasion in October included a 3-2 defeat away to Celtic (also 2-1 v Falkirk).

• Celtic have both scored (10 goals) and conceded (eight) in their past five league games (W3 D1 L1); they last did so in six successive Scottish Premiership matches in April/May 2017.

• Celtic's Kieran Tierney has five goals in 26 Scottish Premiership games this season (including two in his last two), as many as his previous 102 appearances in the competition prior to 2025-26. Tierney also has seven assists in the competition this term, his joint-most in a league campaign in his career (also seven in 2017-18).

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Former Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller hopes the Fir Park side can "keep it going" after an "impressive" Scottish Premiership campaign so far.

Jens Berthel Askou's side are fourth after 29 games, four points below Rangers.

Scotland cap Miller, 19, left Fir Park for Udinese in Serie A last summer but maintains a keen interest in football in his homeland.

"I've got close friends still at the club," Miller told BBC Scotland.

"I was there for so long so I know a good few of them.

"They've done amazingly. I've been trying to watch as many as I can and it's been really impressive to see and hopefully they can keep it going for the last few games."

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Motherwell will "aim ambitiously for a strong finish to the season", says Jens Berthel Askou, after the Dane picked up his second Scottish Premiership manager of the month award.

The 43-year-old becomes the first Fir Park boss to claim the accolade twice in one campaign since Graham Alexander in 2021.

Despite suffering a Scottish Cup exit at Aberdeen halfway through the month, Motherwell picked up 10 points from a possible 12 in the league in February.

A late draw with 10 men at home to Rangers was followed by a trio of wins against the Dons, St Mirren and Dundee United, scoring nine goals without conceding.

Askou's fourth-place side started March with a 2-1 defeat at Dundee, their first loss in 10 league games, but will be aiming to bounce back on Saturday when they travel to Celtic, who sit two places and five points above.

"The pride of the first-team staff, as well as the rest of the club, fills me with joy as I share this award with all my colleagues at the club," Askou said.

"While we are receiving praise and recognition on our journey, we strive to continue to develop and aim ambitiously for a strong finish to the season."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

As the dust settles on an ugly weekend in Scottish football Motherwell remain fourth in the league following an unexpected loss at Dens Park.

Our game away to Celtic on Saturday now takes on cup final importance.

Celtic are a weakened side and we won't have many better opportunities to beat them at Parkhead.

The Dundee game was only our fourth loss this league season and we are in March. Over the years we have been lucky to get four wins between January and March never mind only four defeats all season.

I did panic slightly after the cup loss to Aberdeen but we bounced back with a 5-0 thrashing of St Mirren. Similarly, if we slip up again this weekend, I am confident we can respond strongly.

The closer we get to the split the more nervous and excited I get for what is to come. I am still waiting for the bubble to burst and so far it is yet to happen.

Hopefully this new golden era of the 'Well continues and we will be able to undo the painful Sligo Rovers memories from the last time we played in Europe.

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou insists he has no plans to leave Fir Park any time soon and is planning for the future with the Scottish Premiership high-flyers. (Sun), external

Former Scotland forward Kenny Miller believes Aberdeen could find their own version of Askou in Eirik Horneland, who has been linked with the Dons. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Motherwell have recalled goalkeeper Aston Oxborough from his loan to Dunfermline Athletic following a training injury to Matty Connelly.

But the Scottish Premiership club say: "We anticipate this recall to only be temporary and, should Connelly's recovery go according to plan, Oxborough will be able to rejoin Dunfermline on loan at some stage."

Motherwell exercised the option in the loan agreement to emergency recall the 27-year-old Englishman.

Oxborough, who joined Well from Norwich City in 2022, has kept three clean sheets in his four appearances for Championship side Dunfermline.

He helped Neil Lennon's side to a three-match unbeaten run in the league that lifted the Pars back up to fourth in the table - and in the promotion play-off spots - before Saturday's 3-0 defeat of top-flight Aberdeen secured a Scottish Cup semi-final against Falkirk.

Connelly has played twice since the 23-year-old Scot returned to Well in January from his loan to Airdrieonians but has otherwise been second choice behind Calum Ward.

Fourth-placed Motherwell next visit second-top reigning champions Celtic on Saturday as Dunfermline host Fife rivals Raith Rovers.