Celtic penalty row and late show set up Hearts decider
Barras Hong Kong Market issues travel and security advice as it coincides with Celtic v Hearts title decider, working with police and urging drivers to park near Glasgow Green to avoid congestion.
Wilfried Nancy calls his 33-day Celtic stint a ‘beautiful experience’ but admits poor timing and too little time to impose his style after replacing Martin O’Neill in December.
Celtic host Hearts in a final-day title decider at Celtic Park, with the champions needing a win to clinch the Premiership against league leaders Hearts.
Ex-ref Des Roache slams John Beaton’s quick VAR-backed handball penalty for Celtic at Motherwell, calling Scottish officiating a ‘laughing stock’ and warning Beaton’s credibility has taken a ‘sledgehammer’.
Callum McGregor hails Kelechi Iheanacho’s 99th-minute penalty at Motherwell as the biggest moment of his Celtic career, saying the late winner puts the title decider against Hearts in their own hands.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes, after a manager of the year treble, targets the title at Celtic Park, saying his side are ‘tuned to win’ and only need a draw in the Parkhead decider.
Celtic vs Hearts, Sat 12.30pm, Celtic Park. Live on Sky Sports Main Event and Football from 11.30am, stream via Sky Go or NOW. Ref Don Robertson, VAR Kevin Clancy. A win gives Celtic the title.
Celtic have scored 11 league goals after 80 minutes, eight in stoppage time, rescuing 19 points including three late penalties, underpinning their five-in-a-row push going into the final weekend.
Writers split on the decider at Celtic Park. Some back Celtic to edge it, others tip Hearts to hold out. Scorelines predicted range from 3-2 and 2-1 Celtic to 1-1 or 2-2 draws.
Ultras groups Green Brigade and Bhoys call on Celtic fans to meet the team early, stand and back the side, and ‘boo, heckle and unsettle’ Hearts as a fifth straight title nears.
Celtic urge fans to support responsibly as a win over Hearts would seal the title. Ticket-holders should arrive early and avoid city centre gatherings amid weekend events and safety concerns.
Paolo Nutini watched Celtic’s 3-2 win over Motherwell at Queens Park Cafe, as the late penalty kept the title race alive before the Hearts showdown.
SFA will back John Beaton’s VAR-reviewed handball call that gave Celtic a 99th-minute penalty at Motherwell, converted by Kelechi Iheanacho, with Willie Collum to address it on Sky’s VAR review next week.
