The title race is hurtling towards a dramatic and unprecedented conclusion, as Celtic, Hearts, and Rangers are locked in a three-way battle which Scottish football has never seen before.
Chris Sutton thinks that Celtic and Rangers supporters share an unspoken preference should their own team fail to lift the major crown in May.
The former Celtic striker shared his thoughts on the dynamic surrounding Derek McInnes’ table-topping side, and how those from Glasgow ‘would never admit’ that they would prefer Hearts to become champions of Scotland if their teams can’t get over the line.
Mark Chapman: “Do you think both Celtic and Rangers fans are worried that they won’t win it? Therefore, perversely, they also want Hearts to win it.”
Sutton: “Well, they would never admit that. Totally.”
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How would Celtic and Rangers fans feel about Hearts winning the title?
This isn’t just a Glasgow thing, but you also have the situation of Hibernian not wanting Hearts to win the title, but they didn’t help themselves by losing the derby at the weekend.
Now on Sunday, Celtic will face Hibernian at Easter Road, and it will be interesting to see how their fans react during the game, given that a defeat for Martin O’Neill’s side would provide Hearts with a helping hand.
For many, a historic Hearts triumph might just be the lesser of two evils – even if they flat-out refuse to say it out loud.
But amid the dark clouds that have hovered above Celtic and Rangers this season, Scottish football has drawn attention like never before, as Sutton discussed an interesting title debate on BBC Radio 5 Live.
Mark Chapman: “When you are up there, is there an appreciation from Celtic and Rangers fans that everybody else wants Hearts to win it?”
Sutton: “Yeah, I think so. I think everybody understands that. In truth, Celtic and Rangers fans this season have concentrated more on the way their own clubs have been run, their own form rather than what’s going on elsewhere.”
Chapman: “Do you think both Celtic and Rangers fans are worried that they won’t win it? Therefore, perversely, they also want Hearts to win it.”
Sutton: “Well, they would never admit that. Totally.”
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