Derby Drama, VAR Twists & a Shake-Up at the Top | Week 19, SPFL 2025/26 Highlights
Derby Drama, VAR Twists & a Shake-Up at the Top | Week 19, SPFL 2025/26 Highlights
Welcome to your Scottish Premiership Roundup, where another action-packed week delivered derby tension, VAR drama, shock decisions, and a major shift in the table. With Wilfried Nancy still chasing his first away win at Livingston and Rangers hosting Motherwell in a top-four clash, Matchweek action did not disappoint.
Hibs vs Hearts – The Edinburgh Derby Returns
We kick off with the second Edinburgh Derby of the season. Hearts arrived at Easter Road sitting comfortably at the top of the table, looking to maintain their momentum. The match was covered by Ian Crocker, Neil McCann, and Stuart Lovell, who captured every tackle, twist, and derby-fuelled moment.
Dundee vs Falkirk – VAR Takes Center Stage
In Dundee, the home side were desperate to climb clear of the bottom two-and the match quickly became dominated by refereeing decisions.
Key Moments
Brad Spencer red card overturned: Originally sent off for serious foul play, VAR showed minimal force and a low challenge, reducing it to a yellow.
Penalty drama: Yann Dhanda's shot struck Finn Yeats' hand, and after a VAR review showed the arm in an unnatural position, Dhanda buried the resulting penalty.
Late red for Dundee: Ethan Ross tried to break forward but was brought down by skipper Simon Murray, who walked after the ref judged the tackle reckless.
Despite finishing with ten men, Dundee secured a vital three points.
Livingston vs Celtic – Can Nancy Close the Gap?
Wilfried Nancy took Celtic to Livingston aiming to close the gap on Hearts after their dropped points. With commentary from Chris Sutton and Gary Weaver, Celtic pushed to capitalize and keep the title race tight.
Rangers vs Motherwell – Top-Four Power Shift at Ibrox
Motherwell arrived at Ibrox above Rangers in the table and riding a ten-match unbeaten league run-but the afternoon belonged to the men in blue.
Match Highlights
Motherwell start strong: Big chances for Fadinger, Hendry, and Said, all denied by the exceptional Jack Butland.
Rangers respond: Barron forced a save, Gassama nearly scored on the rebound, and Chermiti threatened with a back-heel flick.
Controversial disallowed goal: Nico Raskin's strike ruled out after VAR showed Chermiti obstructing the keeper from an offside position.
Breakthrough moment: After constant pressure, Thelo Aasgaard tapped in a rebound to give Rangers the lead they deserved.
Late drama: A penalty shout for Motherwell as Fadinger tumbled under a Fernandez challenge-contact was clear, but intent less so.
Rangers climbed to 3rd place, leapfrogging Motherwell.
St Mirren vs Kilmarnock – A Quiet Afternoon in Paisley
Still glowing from their League Cup triumph, St Mirren hosted Kilmarnock in a game short on big chances but full of defensive grit.
Mayo forces an early save
Nlundulu denied brilliantly by Oluwayemi
Handball appeal waved away: Brad Lyons' arm judged to be in a natural position
A deserved 0–0 draw in Paisley.
Aberdeen vs Dundee United – A Granite City Stalemate
Old rivals met at Pittodrie, both desperate to get back to winning ways.
Highlights:
Karlsson's early strike pushed away by Richards
Amar Fatah's brilliant solo goal punished poor defending to give Utd the lead
Aouchiche cuts inside, Karlsson taps in the equalizer after weak Utd defending and an unconvincing save
Kjartansson nearly wins it late, but Richards redeems himself with a top save
A fair 1–1 draw in the Granite City.
What the Results Mean
The Premiership table tightens once again:
Celtic cut Hearts' lead to 3 points, with a game in hand
Rangers climb to 3rd with an important win
Livingston remain bottom, now four points adrift
Another thrilling week that reshapes the title race, the European chase, and the fight for survival.
Thanks for watching-see you next time on the Scottish Premiership Roundup!
