Keys and ex Ibrox striker Andy Gray discussed Celtic’s triumph on bEIN SPORT and the work done by returning hero Martin O’Neill

Richard Keys talking on beIN SPORTS

Richard Keys admits refereeing decisions in the Premiership in the last week have got him hooked into his pal Andy Gray’s ‘conspiracy’ theories about Celtic’s tendency to be on the right end of the big calls from officials.

But the axed Sky Sports presenter has directly told the former Rangers striker that he cannot have any complaints about Martin O’Neill’s impact in ensuring the Premiership title remains in Glasgow’s East End.

Hoops’ dramatic 3-1 victory over Hearts on Saturday saw them leapfrog the Jambos right at the death to claim their fifth championship on the spin and O’Neill’s fourth title across his two spells in the dugout.

Celtic drew level against the Jambos with a penalty from Arne Engels after Hearts winger Alexandros Kyziridis handled from Kieran Tierney’s cross inside the area before late goals from Daizen Maeda and Callum Osmand completed the comeback.

On Wednesday night, Celts were also awarded a penalty in their last-gasp 3-2 win over Motherwell that kept them in the title fight, with Kelechi Iheanacho stepping up to convert in the 99th minute after referee John Beaton and Andrew Dallas on VAR determined that Steelmen star Sam Nicholson had used his arm to divert the ball away as he jumped for a header with Auston Trusty.

The disputed decision at Fir Park got international attention and Keys – who along with Gray are expected to leave their roles as presenters of BeIN SPORTS’ coverage of the English Premier League at the end of the season – couldn’t help but add his voice to the controversy.

Speaking on the Middle-Eastern sports channel, he said: “The decision to give Celtic a penalty in the match against Motherwell was ludicrous.

“I have never really bought your conspiracy theories about Celtic down the years but I have to say I’ve changed my mind this past week.

“The pen yesterday, yes and no. But what you cannot dispute, and I know you are disappointed, is what an extraordinary job he has done, in two spells this season remember.”

Gray responded: “I never doubted Martin O’Neill going in there the second time. I never doubted that he would get a reaction and it doesn’t surprise me (that they won the league).

Martin O’Neill of Celtic at full time

“I didn’t know that Hearts could sustain their form throughout the year, that’s what I didn’t know.

“I knew we (Rangers) weren’t good enough, as simple as that. We threatened a little bit but we were never really in the frame as we lost too many games that we shouldn’t have done.

“I always knew he (O’Neill) had a chance. If Hearts had maybe held their nerve a little bit and got a little bit more luck, he might not have done.”