Celtic’s dramatic late penalty against Motherwell has set up a tense title decider against Hearts. A controversial 99th-minute penalty saw Celtic beat Motherwell 3-2. Hearts now face a must-not-lose situation at Celtic Park.
Hearts’ Title Hopes Hang in the Balance
Hearts will win the Scottish Premiership if they avoid defeat at Celtic Park. They had been on the brink of securing their first title since 1960. Hearts players were celebrating a 3-0 win over Falkirk when news of Celtic’s late penalty reached them. One point separates the top two teams.
Now, Derek McInnes’ side must avoid defeat in front of 60,000 Celtic fans. They must do so without key players. This is to become the first non-Old Firm club to win the Scottish title in four decades.
O’Neill’s Celtic Close the Gap
The revived defending champions, under Martin O’Neill, have now won six consecutive league matches. They seek a 14th title in 15 years. This run has put them within touching distance of Hearts.
Hearts Confident Despite Pressure
Hearts are unbeaten against Celtic in three meetings this term. In October, they swept aside Celtic 3-1 at Tynecastle. Two months later, they travelled to Glasgow and spoiled Wilfried Nancy’s first match as Celtic boss, winning 2-1. Most recently, Celtic were denied all three points in Gorgie by a late equaliser.
“We’ve been there and won a couple of times during my time as a Hearts player,” captain Lawrence Shankland said after the midweek win over Falkirk. “We go there confident and we’ve been top of the league all season. It’s a 90-minute cup final. If you offered us that at the start of the season we would have taken it.”
Former Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart is confident they can get the job done. “There’s no reason why Hearts can’t win the title,” he said on Sportscene. “As much as there’s disappointment, scepticism and a lot of ill-will coming off the back of [Wednesday], Hearts need to focus on the positives. They are capable of getting the result they need to win the trophy.”
The Challenge at Celtic Park
It will not be straightforward for Hearts, though. While they are unbeaten at home in the league – with 15 wins and four draws – Hearts have been less sure on the road, losing five and drawing four of 18. Celtic Park is a daunting place.
McInnes Slams Penalty Decision
The controversy surrounding the penalty decision has added further fuel to the fire. Derek McInnes has slammed the decision as ‘disgusting’.
The scene is set for an epic encounter at Celtic Park. Has the Tynecastle outfit’s best chance gone? Or can they still make history?