A Hearts title podium was spotted before Celtic spoiled their title party.
Last night could’ve been historic for the Tynecastle club, and at one point, the scenario where Hearts won the title looked to be a real possibility.
Instead, with Celtic’s clash with Motherwell entering the final stages, a controversial decision to award the Hoops a penalty threw the balance in a completely different direction.
Hearts now face the daunting challenge of avoiding defeat at Celtic Park if they are to deliver the title they so desperately crave.
After the DRAMATIC win over Motherwell, give us your predictions for Celtic’s title showdown vs Hearts 👇
If Celtic win, they win the league…
Footage shows Hearts podium behind the scenes at Tynecastle
The footage, via @A5393971357963 on X, shows stadium staff repackaging the podium which would’ve been used at the ground, had things gone differently.
Hearts’ game had finished well before the game at Fir Park, leaving them in an agonising wait for the confirmation that Celtic had dropped points.
READ MORE: Paul Lambert fires ‘don’t worry about Celtic’ response to Derek McInnes penalty shout
In the end, when the news of Iheanacho’s winner filtered through to the capital, there was visible dejection on the pitch and in the stands.
It sets up the match to end all matches in the Scottish Premiership, unlike anything we have seen in the Scottish top-flight in recent memory.
Celtic’s task is simple: win and they are champions, despite spending almost none of the campaign at the top of the table.
Had they not scored the winner in Lanarkshire, they would’ve been tasked with having to win by a four-goal margin on the final day.
Of course, Celtic are yet to beat Hearts this season. However, Martin O’Neill is the only Parkhead boss to have avoided defeat, with both of his predecessors losing.
When they last met in January, a red-card for Auston Trusty tipped the game in the Jambos’ favour after Celtic had taken the lead twice.
Who was your Celtic MOTM vs Motherwell?
Celtic’s dramatic run-in so far
Hearts’ results since the split have forced Celtic to be perfect in order to stay alive in the title race. Incredibly, they have finally found the consistency to do so.
Falkirk was the first task ticked off. Easter Road was next, and despite a red card for Hibs’ Jamie McGrath, Celtic needed saved by Iheanacho in a narrow win.
In the Glasgow Derby, Rangers took the lead, but Celtic dug in again. It was Daizen Maeda who made the difference that time.
Then at Fir Park, it was the most dramatic one yet. The media may try to distract from Celtic’s win, but again, Iheanacho was the saviour.
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