Thousands of football fans descended on Glasgow for the Scottish Premiership title decider at Celtic Park. Hearts and Celtic vied for the trophy in a highly anticipated match.
O’Neill and McInnes Speak Ahead of Clash
Hearts manager Derek McInnes described the match as “box office”. Celtic boss Martin O’Neill said his team would be “going out all guns blazing to try to win”. O’Neill said that he was “really looking forward” to the title clash.
McInnes said it had been a “brilliant campaign” for Hearts “regardless of what happens”. He added, “With the records broken internally as a club, and what we’ve done this season, I think they’ll always be regarded as a special team. But obviously if we want to elevate that, we have to go and win it.” He finished by saying, “It’s up to us to try and create our own history and our own legacy with a big performance.”
Hearts Fans Travel in Numbers
752 Hearts supporters were inside the ground at Celtic Park. Stella, a Hearts fan for 60 years, travelled to Glasgow for the match. She said she was feeling “nervous but really happy” ahead of the match.
Stella said that after last season no one would have believed Hearts would have got this far. She added that she’d be crying her heart out if the Tynecastle side wins.
Young Celtic Fan’s Big Day
Ten-year-old Celtic fan Jack travelled over from Ireland after getting a ticket to the match for his birthday. He said he was nervous and felt like he had a washing machine in his belly.
He added that it would be a “tight game” but he was hopeful Celtic could win.
A Historic Day for Scottish Football
A draw or a win would give Hearts their first league title in 66 years. Celtic required a win to retain the trophy for the fifth year in a row.
If Hearts were to take the title it will be the first time in more than 40 years that a team other than Celtic or Rangers has won the league.
Professional singer Colin Chisholm, who has been singing The Hearts Song ahead of matches at Tynecastle, said he’ll be watching the game at home with his wife, daughter and grandson. The 73-year-old said: “It’s been incredible. Every Hearts fan I’ve spoken to feels the same – for two or three days after a game you feel hungover because it’s up and down”
The final day showdown was confirmed after Celtic defeated Motherwell in a match which included a controversial VAR-awarded penalty in the 99th minute.