Has last-gasp Celtic penalty undermined Hearts' hopes?

Breaking news from the world of sport: Has last-gasp Celtic penalty undermined Hearts' hopes? Image source, SNSImage caption, Hearts will win the Scottish Premiership if they avoid defeat at Celtic ParkByGeorge O'NeillBBC Sport ScotlandPublished1 hour agoAt one stage on Wednesday, Hearts were set to be Scottish Premiership champions. At another point, they just needed to avoid a three-goal defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday to clinch a first title since 1960.

But by the end of a hugely contentious and emotionally wrought night, one which ended with recriminations and angry words, the equation was much less favourable. Hearts players were on the Tynecastle pitch waving to fans after a comfortable 3-0 win over Falkirk as Celtic converted a controversial 99th-minute penalty to beat Motherwell 3-2 at Fir Park, leaving one point separating the top two. Now Derek McInnes' side now must avoid defeat in front of 60,000 amped-up Celtic fans on Saturday - and do so without key players - if they are to become the first non-Old Firm club to win the Scottish title in four decades.

Match Details

Hearts are unbeaten against Celtic in three meetings this term, but the revived defending champions have now won six consecutive league matches under Martin O'Neill as they seek a 14th title in 15 years. It's all set up to be an epic encounter, but has the Tynecastle outfit's best chance gone? Or can they still make history?

Penalty pandemonium sets up Hearts & Celtic showdown for the ages Published1 day agoPenalty for this? Celtic and Hearts face title decider as McInnes slams 'disgusting' call Published1 day agoHearts have upper hand in head-to-headsMcInnes and his players can certainly take confidence from their matches against Celtic this season. In October, they swept aside Brendan Rodgers' side 3-1 at Tynecastle to solidify their title credentials.

And two months later, they travelled to Glasgow and spoiled Wilfried Nancy's first match as Celtic boss, winning 2-1 in a gutsy display. Most recently, Celtic were denied all three points in Gorgie by Claudio Braga's 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.

Reactions and Expectations

"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.

"A fourth match without defeat against their nearest rivals would seal one of the most unlikely triumphs ever in Scottish football, and 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 , Hearts need to focus on the positives.

"They are capable of getting the result they need to win the trophy. " Figure caption, Will Parkhead atmosphere prove difference?

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.