Chris Sutton has hammered Derek McInnes and the Hearts meltdown from Wednesday night’s events.
McInnes’ side looked to have taken a significant step towards claiming the title at full-time in their game against Falkirk, with Celtic level with Motherwell with just minutes to play.
However, a last-minute decision to award Celtic a penalty changed everything, with Kelechi Iheanacho setting up a title-decider with literally the last kick of the game.
The Hearts boss was fuming, labelling the decision ‘disgusting’ in his post-match interview. Sutton has responded in his column.
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Writing in his column for the Daily Record, Sutton said: “Derek McInnes says it’s Hearts against the world after Celtic’s last-gasp penalty at Fir Park.
“I believe the meltdown following the VAR call proves the complete opposite.
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“Outside the people involved at Celtic – and perhaps most Hibs fans – no one wants Celtic to win the Premiership title. It’s pretty clear now, everyone is desperate to see Hearts claim the title.
“Don’t get me wrong. I understand why. Hearts have been an incredible story this season. What McInnes has achieved with a fraction of the budget of Celtic and Rangers is outstanding, no matter what happens today.
“It’s obvious he is trying to create a siege mentality going into the final-day shootout and perhaps even putting a bit of pressure on the officials when it comes to the margins calls.
“Fair play to him. It’s good psychology. But as for this idea that everyone – including the officials – is out to scupper him and his team? Do me a favour.
“The reaction to the handball call the other night has been ridiculous. Was it a contentious decision? Yes. Can you see why the VAR officials got to that conclusion? Absolutely.
“Sam Nicholson’s arm is over his shoulder and the ball hit his hand. Going by the letter of the law, John Beaton and Andrew Dallas had little choice.
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“It’s the timing of the flashpoint that has caused such an outcry – and proved my point about everyone rooting for Hearts.
“We even had the likes of Gary Lineker chucking in his tuppence worth. It just shows how much interest there is in this incredible title race, even from way beyond Scotland.
“The rest of the football world is absolutely hooked – and they are desperate for the Jambos to pull it off.
“That’s why so many people have lost their shape over the last few days. All rational thinking went out of the window.”
Today’s title decider at Celtic Park will draw the eyes of the world… over to you, Martin O’Neill
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