
Football
Share
Published 12:10 14 May 2026 BST
Updated 12:10 14 May 2026 BST
After defeating Falkirk 3-0 at Tynecastle, Hearts were on track to celebrate a first league title since 1959 on home soil.
Celtic however knew that a draw probably wouldn't be enough going into the final day due to Hearts significant goal difference advantage.
And in the 99th minute, Celtic prayers were answered when they were gifted a controversial penalty. Former Manchester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho stepped up and sent the title to a last-day decider. (You can view the spot-kick below).
However, what transpired after the late winner for Celtic will leave Hearts fans asking each other "what if".
A fan outside the ground spotted stadium stewards covering up what appeared to be the podium for the potential title celebrations. (You can view the still image below).
You can see the placard with the Hearts badge is the same one used in Celtic's title podium last year.
Although it's standard procedure for stadiums to have championship podiums ready when a team is on the brink of a title, this instance adds a comedic effect before the final day.
In the past famous examples of this scenario have often been clipped from Premier League decision days.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match Hearts manager, Derek McIness admitted his grievances over the controversial VAR decision.
McInnes said: "I think it's disgusting. I don't think it's a penalty kick. But we're up against it, we're up against everybody and we'll be ready for Saturday.
There were two more shouts for a penalty kick at our game at Motherwell. If I'm Motherwell, I'm really disappointed with that having seen it again. I think it's so poor that they've been given that penalty."
McInnes finished by rallying his troops before Saturday's league decider: "We need to just go and deal with the game on Saturday."
In the age of stats geeks, AI-generated Fantasy teams and nth-degree analysis, we've stripped football knowledge down to its most instinctual form: Win, Lose or Draw.
In JOE's new Premier League Win-Lose-Draw Predictor, you can prove your footballing nous up against your mates, while also being in with a chance of winning €1,000/£1,000 each week.
And if no users predict all results correctly, EVERY player who submitted an entry will be placed into a random prize draw for the €1,000/£1,000.
Two players came within an inch of winning the jackpot last week with 9/10 right - play below for this weekend's fixtures! It takes just a few minutes to enter…
Ireland players apologise to teammate Bazunu after behaviour towards him
Chaos in Ireland camp. Having been ousted as Ireland’s No 1 a few years back, the nation’s second-choice keeper, Gavin Bazunu, has been thrown back into the spotlight over the last 24 hours after making the brave decision not to participate in Ireland’s UEFA Nations League clash with Israel tonight. Follow our blog below for […]
Football
4 days ago
Ireland’s Bazunu breaks silence after decision to withdraw from Israel game
Bazunu is the only player so far to have publicly withdrawn. Ireland and Bolton Wanderers goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu has published a statement explaining his decision to withdraw from his nation’s upcoming fixture with Israel. Posted on social media, and quoted in the Irish Independent, it reads: “Representing my country means everything to me. I have […]
Football
5 days ago
Football
Scary scenes as fans evacuated from burning bus after Celtic v Rangers
Football